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

Crossing the border illegally, with the help of coyotes, or smugglers, is typically a very expensive endeavor.

From The Daily Beast

We knew it would be an expensive endeavor, and we still chose to make the investment.

From The Daily Beast

He stops after a second, looks around him and laughs, apparently realizing the absurdity of the endeavor.

From The Daily Beast

Doing so can be a very profitable endeavor, in a time of low interest rates.

From The Daily Beast

His largest endeavor is a small town called Poundbury that he has been developing since the 1990s.

From The Daily Beast

This was my sincere endeavor, in those many discourses I had with that monarch, although it unfortunately failed of success.

From Project Gutenberg

He did not find his new field of endeavor so profitable when he began to work among strangers.

From Project Gutenberg

Consequently they endeavor to please him, without considering what he asks or what they do.

From Project Gutenberg

To endeavor to cut through such an obstacle would undoubtedly have brought about a disaster.

From Project Gutenberg

The endeavor would not only be utterly unavailing, but would, with certainty, involve them in speedy and retrieveless ruin.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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