/ ˈefət; NAmE ˈefərt/ noun
1.
[ U , C ] the physical or mental energy that you need to do sth; sth that takes a lot of energy :
You should put more effort into your work.
A lot of effort has gone into making this event a success.
It's a long climb to the top, but well worth the effort.
Getting up this morning was quite an effort (= it was difficult) .
( BrE )
With (an) effort (= with difficulty) she managed to stop herself laughing.
2.
[ C ] effort (to do sth) an attempt to do sth especially when it is difficult to do :
a determined / real / special effort
to make an effort
The company has laid off 150 workers in an effort to save money.
I didn't really feel like going out, but I am glad I made the effort .
The local clubs are making every effort to interest more young people.
We need to make a concerted effort to finish on time.
I spent hours cleaning the house, but there isn't much to show for all my efforts .
With an effort of will he resisted the temptation.
The project was a joint / group effort.
3.
[ C ] (usually after a noun) a particular activity that a group of people organize in order to achieve sth :
the Russian space effort
the United Nations' peacekeeping effort
4.
[ C ] the result of an attempt to do sth :
I'm afraid this essay is a poor effort.
•
IDIOMS
see bend verb
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WORD ORIGIN
late 15th cent.: from French , from Old French esforcier , based on Latin ex- out + fortis strong.