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.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is planning to propose a tax on New York City’s second homes worth $5 million or more in an effort to fill the city’s yawning budget deficit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

But she used it in an apparent effort to convince our reporter not to delay with his own application.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

The scale of the dataset reflects a huge public effort.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Ma concludes that it will take a more concerted effort by President Xi Jinping to bring State Grid to heel.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

Exhausted from the effort, Mom slumps down onto the pavement, panting.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy

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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