effort
gb/ˈɛfɚt/ us/ˈɛfɚt/
A2
English
~ 800
erőfeszítés, próbálkozás, kísérlet
NOUN
A2
1
erőfeszítés
B1
Usage pattern:
make an effort to [do something]
It took a lot of effort to finish the project on time.
Sok erőfeszítésbe került határidőre befejezni a projektet.
She made an effort to speak more clearly.
Erőfeszítést tett, hogy érthetőbben beszéljen.
Climbing the hill required considerable effort.
He wasted his effort on a plan that didn’t work.
With some extra effort, we can meet the deadline.
Learner examples
It takes effort to learn a new language.
Egy új nyelv megtanulása erőfeszítést igényel.
She made an effort to smile.
Erőfeszítést tett, hogy elmosolyodjon.
He put in a lot of effort at work.
Running up the stairs is hard effort.
We need more effort to win the game.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'effort' with 'attempt'. 'Effort' refers to the energy used, while 'attempt' refers to the act of trying, regardless of energy spent.
Meaning
use of energy to achieve something
Collocations
make an effort
|put in effort
|require effort
|waste effort
|considerable effort
Synonyms
exertion (More formal; often refers specifically to physical strain.)
|
attempt (Focuses more on the act of trying rather than the energy used.)
Antonyms
idleness (The state of not using energy or making any attempt.)
Themes
daily life
|work
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
|health
Definition
When you try hard and use your body or mind to do something.
The use of physical or mental energy to accomplish a task or goal.
NOUN
B1
2
próbálkozás
B1
kísérlet
B1
Usage pattern:
an effort to [do something]
Their latest effort to reduce costs was successful.
Sikeres volt a legutóbbi próbálkozásuk a költségek csökkentésére.
He made one last effort to win her back.
Tett még egy utolsó próbálkozást, hogy visszahódítsa.
The team's joint effort led to victory.
Despite their efforts, they couldn't solve the problem.
Learner examples
We made an effort to clean the park.
Megpróbáltuk kitakarítani a parkot.
His effort to fix the car failed.
Az autó megjavítására tett próbálkozása kudarcot vallott.
The team won because of their strong effort.
She gave her best effort in the race.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'effort' when 'try' or 'attempt' is more natural in casual speech.
Meaning
an attempt to achieve something
Collocations
joint effort
|team effort
|final effort
|failed effort
Synonyms
endeavor (More formal; often used for serious or important attempts.)
Antonyms
neglect (Failure to make any attempt or try.)
Themes
daily life
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Something you do when you try to get a result, often when it is not easy.
An act of trying to do something, especially when it is difficult.
Grammar
Dictionary form
effort
IPA
GB/ˈɛfɚt/
US/ˈɛfɚt/
Syllables & stress
ef - fort (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (ef)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: effort
- Plural: effort, efforts
Word family
Forms
efforts
noun
Negative and opposite forms
effortless
adjective B2
effortlessly
adverb
Advanced or less common
effortful
adjective
Expressions
best efforts
1/bˈɛst ˈɛfɚts/
fixed phrase
the most someone can try or do
The most you can try or do.
Examples
- Despite our best efforts, we lost the game.
- She gave her best efforts to complete the project.
in an effort to
1/ˈɪn ən ˈɛfɚt tə/
fixed phrase
with the aim of trying to do something
Used to show you are trying to reach a goal.
Examples
- In an effort to save money, they stopped eating out.
- He spoke slowly in an effort to be understood.
make an effort
1/mˈeɪk ən ˈɛfɚt/
fixed phrase
try hard to do something
To try hard to do something.
Examples
- You should make an effort to exercise regularly.
- He made an effort to arrive on time despite the traffic.
make an effort
3/mˈeɪk ən ˈɛfɚt/
fixed phrase
try hard
to try hard
Examples
- She made an effort to be friendly to everyone.
- You need to make an effort if you want to improve.
- He made a real effort to arrive on time.
Learner examples
- I am making an effort to speak English every day.
- He made an effort to help his team.
spare no effort
1/spˈɛɹ nˈoʊ ˈɛfɚt/
idiom
do everything you can
To work very hard and do everything you can to reach a goal.
Examples
- The rescue team spared no effort in searching for survivors.
- The team spared no effort to finish the project on time.
- She spared no effort in preparing for the exam.
- Authorities spared no effort to find the missing child.