Definitions for effortˈɛf ərt

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

ef•fort^*ˈɛf ərt(n.)

exertion of physical or mental power.
an earnest or strenuous attempt.
something done by exertion or hard work.
an achievement, as in literature or art:
The painting is one of her finest efforts.
action undertaken by a group for a specified purpose:
the war effort.
the force or energy that is applied to a machine for the accomplishment of useful work.
Category: Mechanics

^* Syn: effort , application , endeavor , exertion imply energetic activity and expenditure of energy. effort is an expenditure of physical or mental energy to accomplish some objective: He made an effort to control himself. application is continuous effort plus careful attention and diligence: application to one's studies. endeavor means a continued and sustained series of efforts to achieve some end, often worthy and difficult: an endeavor to rescue survivors. exertion is vigorous action or effort, frequently without an end in view: out of breath from exertion.

Origin of effort:

1480–90; < MF; OF esfort, esforz, der. of esforcier to force (es-ex -1+forcier to force )

Princeton's WordNet

attempt, effort, endeavor, endeavour, try(noun)
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
"made an effort to cover all the reading material"; "wished him luck in his endeavor"; "she gave it a good try"
effort, elbow grease, exertion, travail, sweat(noun)
use of physical or mental energy; hard work
"he got an A for effort"; "they managed only with great exertion"
feat, effort, exploit(noun)
a notable achievement
"he performed a great feat"; "the book was her finest effort"
campaign, cause, crusade, drive, movement, effort(noun)
a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end
"he supported populist campaigns"; "they worked in the cause of world peace"; "the team was ready for a drive toward the pennant"; "the movement to end slavery"; "contributed to the war effort"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

effort(noun)ˈɛf ərt
an attempt to do sth
She made an effort to look nice.; an effort to sell the house quickly
effortˈɛf ərt
the energy needed or used to do sth
Many people think it is too much effort to live a greener lifestyle.; It took a lot of effort for him to explain.

Wiktionary

effort(Noun)
The amount of work involved in performing an activity; exertion.
It took a lot of effort to find a decent-sized, fully-furnished apartment withing walking distance of the office.
effort(Noun)
An endeavour.
Although he didn't win any medals, Johnson's effort at the Olympics won over many fans.
effort(Verb)
To make an effort.
effort(Verb)
To stimulate.
He efforted his spirits. uE000127628uE001 Fuller.

Origin: From effort, from esfort, deverbal noun from esforcier, from *exfortiare, from ex + fortis

Webster Dictionary

Effort(noun)
an exertion of strength or power, whether physical or mental, in performing an act or aiming at an object; more or less strenuous endeavor; struggle directed to the accomplishment of an object; as, an effort to scale a wall
Effort(noun)
a force acting on a body in the direction of its motion
Effort(verb)
to stimulate