Definition

1. Noun:
   • The use of physical or mental energy to do something; hard work: "Effort" refers to the conscious exertion of power, either physical or mental, to achieve a task or overcome difficulty.
   • A serious attempt to achieve something: "Effort" can also mean a determined or conscientious attempt to accomplish a specific goal.
   • Something produced through exertion; an achievement: In some contexts, "effort" refers to the result or product of hard work.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She put a lot of effort into her studies. (She worked very hard on her studies.)
  • The rescue team made a heroic effort to save the trapped miners. (The rescue team made a heroic attempt to save the miners.)
  • His latest painting is a remarkable effort. (His most recent painting is a remarkable achievement.)

Advanced Usage

• "to make an effort": to try hard to do something.
  • You should make an effort to arrive on time.
• "with/without effort": easily or with difficulty.
  • He lifted the heavy box without apparent effort.
• "a concerted/joint effort": an attempt in which people work together.
  • Cleaning the park was a joint effort by the whole community.

Variants and Related Words

• Effortless (adj): requiring or showing little or no effort; easy.
  • She has an effortless grace when she dances.
• Effortlessly (adv): in a way that seems easy and without effort.
  • He effortlessly solved the complex math problem.

Synonyms

• Exertion: physical or mental effort.
• Endeavor: a serious and sustained effort to achieve a goal.
• Attempt: an act of trying to achieve something.

Related Phrases

• Spare no effort: to do everything one can to achieve something.
  • The doctors spared no effort to save the patient's life.
• A waste of effort: work that does not produce a useful result.
  • Trying to convince him was a waste of effort.

Noun

1. a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end
   • he supported populist campaigns
   • they worked in the cause of world peace
   • the team was ready for a drive toward the pennant
   • the movement to end slavery
   • contributed to the war effort
2. a notable achievement
   • he performed a great feat
   • the book was her finest effort
3. use of physical or mental energy; hard work
   • he got an A for effort
   • they managed only with great exertion
4. earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
   • made an effort to cover all the reading material
   • wished him luck in his endeavor
   • she gave it a good try