n.
Pronunciation: ' e-f ə rt, - ˌ fo ̇ rt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle French, from Old French esforz, esfort, from esforcier to force, from ex- + forcier to force
Date: 15th century
1 : conscious exertion of power : hard work <a job requiring time and effort >
2 : a serious attempt : TRY <making an effort to reduce costs>
3 : something produced by exertion or trying <the novel was her most ambitious effort >
4 : effective force as distinguished from the possible resistance called into action by such a force
5 : the total work done to achieve a particular end <the war effort >