endeavor

[ en-dev-er ]

verb (used without object)

1. to exert oneself to do or effect something; make an effort; strive:

   We must constantly endeavor if we are to succeed.

verb (used with object)

1. to attempt; try:

   He endeavors to keep things neat in his apartment.

2. Archaic. to attempt to achieve or gain.

noun

1. a strenuous effort; attempt.

Other Words From

• en·deavor·er especially British, en·deavour·er noun
• preen·deavor noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of endeavor¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English endeveren, from the phrase putten in devoir “to make an effort, assume responsibility”; compare Anglo-French se mettre en deveir. See en- ¹, devoir

Synonym Study

See try. See effort.

Example Sentences

Now, however, signs were emerging that seeing, an endeavor more complex than one might at first think, was starting to be overwhelmed by focusing analysis on the context itself.

From Los Angeles Times

Lemon's most recent research endeavor focused on how the virus strategically makes its way into liver cells and takes over the cell's inner machinery to replicate its genome.

From Science Daily

Though it isn’t clear whether Trump could have ultimately forced a recess appointment or strong-armed the GOP Senate delegation into clearing Gaetz, it would have, as the nominee pointed out, been an increasingly costly endeavor.

From Salon

Trump has expressed interest in such an endeavor, wondering why the space agency has been focused on the moon.

From Los Angeles Times

“Mufasa” might be considered the endeavor more outside his wheelhouse — a lavish, family-oriented spectacle with talking and singing CGI beasts that will join a franchise juggernaut that already includes a hugely popular Broadway production and the 1994 animated hit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aspire
• bid for
• strive
• take pains
• undertake