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.

He invoked the political philosopher Edmund Burke, who warned that institutions take careful effort to build but can be torn down quickly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

The move is an effort to disrupt Intel and AMD’s dominance of the PC chip market, with Nvidia using technology licensed from processor-design firm Arm Holding.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

Three Clausen brothers who were quarterbacks — Casey, Rick and Jimmy — have created a fall flag football league for boys and girls in an effort to help youth players learn the game.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

That allowed the ball to run through to Harvey Barnes, who saw his effort saved by Fernando Muslera, and Ben White tapped in from close range.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

I sank down deeper into my chair and made an effort to look anywhere but at him.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin

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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