1
: conscious exertion of power : hard work
a job requiring time and effort
2
: a serious attempt : try
making an effort to reduce costs
3
: something produced by exertion or trying
the novel was her most ambitious effort
4
: effective force as distinguished from the possible resistance called into action by such a force
5
: the total work done to achieve a particular end
the war effort
Examples of effort in a Sentence
He put a lot of effort into finishing the project on time.
It wasn't easy, but it was worth the effort.
We need to expend more effort.
The job will require a great deal of time and effort.
Our success is due to the combined efforts of many people.
Her efforts were rewarded with a new contract.
He lost the campaign despite the best efforts of his supporters.
Even though they didn't win, the team made a good effort.
Her early efforts at writing a novel were awkward.
Despite my best efforts, I never found out who she was.
Recent Examples on the Web
Third game Leonard thrilled his home crowd with a dynamic effort, going 11 of 13 and 6 of 7 from beyond the arc.
—
Greg Beacham, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2026
The research undercuts Orbán’s claims that continuing to buy Russian oil, despite European Union-wide efforts to phase out Russian fossil fuels, makes fuel cheaper for Hungarians.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
Both of these efforts have received NASA funding.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026
An effort is underway in California to expand opportunities for hunting and fishing for youth with life-threatening illnesses or who have lost a parent in service to the state or country.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for effort
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Greg Beacham, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2026
The research undercuts Orbán’s claims that continuing to buy Russian oil, despite European Union-wide efforts to phase out Russian fossil fuels, makes fuel cheaper for Hungarians.
—Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 16 Feb. 2026
Both of these efforts have received NASA funding.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026
An effort is underway in California to expand opportunities for hunting and fishing for youth with life-threatening illnesses or who have lost a parent in service to the state or country.
—Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for effort
Cite this Entry
“Effort.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effort. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
effort
noun
ef·fort
ˈef-ərt 
-ˌȯrt
1
: hard work of mind or body
requires time and effort
2
: a serious attempt : try
made a good effort
3
: something produced by work
this painting was one of my best efforts
4
: the force applied to a simple machine (as a lever) in contrast to the force applied by it against a load
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