effort

[ ef-ert ]
/ ˈɛf ərt /

noun

Origin of effort

1480–90; < Middle French; Old French esfort, esforz, derivative of esforcier to force ( es- ex-1 + forcier to force)

SYNONYMS FOR effort

1 struggle, striving. Effort, application, endeavor, exertion imply actions directed or force expended toward a definite end. Effort is an expenditure of energy to accomplish some objective: He made an effort to control himself. Application is continuous effort plus careful attention: constant application to duties. Endeavor means a continued and sustained series of efforts to achieve some, often worthy and difficult, end: a constant endeavor to be useful. Exertion is the vigorous and often strenuous expenditure of energy, frequently without an end: out of breath from exertion.

OTHER WORDS FROM effort

coun·ter·ef·fort, noun o·ver·ef·fort, noun pre·ef·fort, noun

Example sentences from the Web for effort

British Dictionary definitions for effort

effort
/ (ˈɛfət) /

noun

physical or mental exertion, usually considerable when unqualified the rock was moved with effort
a determined attempt our effort to save him failed
achievement; creation a great literary effort
physics an applied force acting against inertia

Derived forms of effort

effortful, adjective

Word Origin for effort

C15: from Old French esfort, from esforcier to force, ultimately from Latin fortis strong; see force 1

Scientific definitions for effort

effort
[ ĕfərt ]

Force applied against inertia.
The force needed by a machine in order to accomplish work on a load. Compare load.

Idioms and Phrases with effort

effort

see all out (effort); last-ditch effort.