Cool MateEffort
UK /["/ˈefət/"]/US /["/ˈefərt/"]/
Definition
an attempt to do something especially when it is difficult to do
In simple words: The work you put into something to achieve a goal.
Examples
- She put a lot of effort into her painting to make it perfect.
- With more effort, he could definitely improve his grades.
- The team won the match after a tremendous effort from all players.
- Even small efforts can lead to significant changes over time.
- It takes a lot of effort to learn a new language, but it is worth it.
Usage notes
Use in both formal and informal settings. Avoid slang or overly casual contexts when discussing serious topics like work or study.
Grammar pattern
make + effort
Memory hint
Think of 'effort' as 'effort-ful' — putting energy into your goals.
Collocations
- ambitious
- big
- enormous
- make
- initiate
- launch
- come to nothing
- fail
- fall flat
- in an/your effort
- through somebody’s effort
- your best efforts
- a reward for your efforts
- make every effort
- considerable
- hard
- constant
- amount
- demand
- need
- require
- go into
- with effort
- without effort
- a great deal of effort
- time and effort
Synonyms
- attempt
- exertion
- endeavor
- striving
- hard work
Antonyms
- laziness
- apathy
- indifference
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'effortless'; don't assume effort means easy.
- Using 'effort' as a verb; it is only a noun.
- Misplacing 'effort' in a sentence, leading to awkward phrasing.