Effort Definition & Meaning

effort
noun
  1. 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"
  2. use of physical or mental energy; hard work; "he got an A for effort"; "they managed only with great exertion"
  3. a notable achievement; "he performed a great feat"; "the book was her finest effort"
  4. 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"

"Effort" in song lyrics

See how effort is used in real songs:

  • "Each execution emphasizes effort"
    2Mex — It Will
  • "If you are all the cult, I'm the leader, hypnotize with minor effort"
    Abstract Rude w/ Moka Only and Prevail — Smokin' In Here
  • "Hell, the bad-tac daddy-o Merlin-- 'e' for effort"
    Aesop Rock f/ Pfac — Cook it Up

Usage tips for "effort"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "effort" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for effort to find words that pair well.

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