'Effort' definitions:

Definition of 'effort'

(from WordNet)
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" [syn: attempt, effort, endeavor, endeavour, try]
noun
Use of physical or mental energy; hard work; "he got an A for effort"; "they managed only with great exertion" [syn: effort, elbow grease, exertion, travail, sweat]
noun
A notable achievement; "he performed a great feat"; "the book was her finest effort" [syn: feat, effort, exploit]
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" [syn: campaign, cause, crusade, drive, movement, effort]

Definition of 'Effort'

From: GCIDE
  • Effort \Ef"fort\, n. [F. effort, OF. esfort, for esfors, esforz, fr. esforcier. See Efforce.]
  • 1. 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. [1913 Webster]
  • We prize the stronger effort of his power. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Mech.) A force acting on a body in the direction of its motion. --Rankine.
  • Syn: Endeavor; exertion; struggle; strain; straining; attempt; trial; essay. See Attempt. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Effort'

From: GCIDE
  • Effort \Ef"fort\, v. t. To stimulate. [Obs.] "He efforted his spirits." --Fuller. [1913 Webster]