Effort Meaning

UK /ˈɛfət/
US /ˈɛfɚt/
Word Definition
effort meaning

Effort Definition & Usage

noun

Physical or mental energy applied toward a goal or task, often requiring significant exertion.

Examples

  • "She put in a lot of effort to finish the project on time."
  • "It took a great deal of effort to learn how to play the piano."
  • "The effort required to climb the mountain was exhausting but rewarding."
  • "His effort to complete the marathon despite the injury was inspiring."
  • "Success in business often requires consistent effort over many years."
noun

An attempt or endeavor to do something, particularly when the result is uncertain.

Examples

  • "His effort to convince the board members was unsuccessful."
  • "The team's effort to improve their rankings paid off in the end."
  • "Despite their best efforts, they couldn't prevent the storm from affecting the town."
  • "Her effort to make the presentation engaging was appreciated by the audience."
  • "Even after several efforts, the company couldn't recover from the financial crisis."
verb

To exert physical or mental energy to achieve something or to try hard to succeed.

Examples

  • "She is really efforting to improve her grades this semester."
  • "He is efforting to get the project finished before the deadline."
  • "The athlete has been efforting through a tough season."
  • "If we all effort together, we can accomplish this task."
  • "It takes a lot of efforting to run a successful campaign."

Cultural Context

The word 'effort' has evolved from Middle French, originally meaning 'force or exertion', and continues to be a fundamental concept in various contexts, from physical labor to intellectual endeavors. It is a key concept in sports, education, and work, where success often hinges on the amount of effort put forth.

The Mountain of Effort

Story

The Mountain of Effort

It was a crisp autumn morning when Emma stood at the base of the mountain, her backpack strapped tight and her eyes set on the summit. This climb wasn't just about the view from the top; it was about proving something to herself. Every inch of the mountain would demand her effort, both physical and mental. She had trained for months, pushing herself through grueling hikes and lifting weights at the gym. The physical effort was exhausting, but it was the mental struggle that truly tested her resolve. Each time she felt like turning back, the thought of reaching the top fueled her onward. 'We can do this,' her best friend Mark called from behind. He, too, had been putting in his effort, although Emma noticed he had struggled more than she had. 'Just a little further.' As they climbed higher, the air thinned, and every step became harder. Emma could feel the effort in her legs, her arms, and her chest, but she refused to stop. The cold wind bit at her skin, but she ignored it, focused on the goal ahead. At the halfway point, they paused for a brief rest. Mark slumped against a rock, looking exhausted. 'I don’t know if I can keep going,' he admitted, looking at the steep incline ahead. Emma looked at him, determination in her eyes. 'This is where it counts. If we stop now, we’ll never know what it feels like to reach the top. Let's make the effort.' With renewed resolve, Mark nodded. They pressed on, each step a battle. Finally, after hours of climbing, they reached the summit. The effort it took to get there was immense, but the reward was even greater. Emma stood at the top, breathing heavily but feeling triumphant. 'You did it,' Mark said, his voice full of admiration. Emma smiled, looking out at the horizon. 'We did it,' she corrected him. 'Together.' In that moment, all the effort, the struggle, and the sacrifice were worth it. Sometimes, success isn't just about the result; it's about the effort you put in along the way.

The Mountain of Effort