Definitions

effort

[ef-ert] / ˈɛf ərt /

NOUN

work, exertion

Synonyms

STRONGEST

achievement attempt battle creation endeavor exercise force industry intention power production push resolution struggle training

STRONG

accomplishment act aim application aspiration crack deed discipline drill energy enterprise essay feat fling go job labor pains product pull purpose shot spurt stab strain stress stretch strife striving sweat tension toil travail trial trouble try tug undertaking venture whack

WEAK

elbow grease old college try

Antonyms

STRONGEST

destruction idleness incompetence laziness ruin weakness

STRONG

abstention entertainment failure fun happiness inactivity neglect peace relaxation unemployment

WEAK

hesitation passivity

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Earlier this month, L.A.-based aid organization Community Organized Relief Effort, or CORE, founded by Sean Penn and Ann Lee, broke ground on one of the hamlet’s newest local gathering spots: the Altadena Center for Community.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 4, 2026

Effort refers to the energy we use to perform activities like running, cycling, or lifting weights.

From Science Daily • Jan. 8, 2026

Appeared in the October 10, 2025, print edition as 'Wendy’s Unveils Effort To Reboot Its Brand'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 9, 2025

The Recording Academy, the body in charge of the Grammys, and its nonprofit MusiCares, have joined forces with the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort to support artists and music industry professionals affected by the fires.

From Salon • Jan. 10, 2025

So for all our making fun of Osbert and his passion to join the War Effort I could see now that this was our ticket to getting back home.

From "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff

Vocabulary lists containing effort

Can I Work It? Words for "Job"

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Stay Strong: Forc and Fort

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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 20–25

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