1. (

• attempt ,
• effort ,
• endeavor ,
• endeavour ,
• try

) 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" ;

2. (

• effort ,
• elbow_grease ,
• exertion ,
• travail ,
• sweat

) use of physical or mental energy; hard work; "he got an A for effort"; "they managed only with great exertion" ;

3. (

• feat ,
• effort ,
• exploit

) a notable achievement; "he performed a great feat"; "the book was her finest effort" ;

4. (

• campaign ,
• cause ,
• crusade ,
• drive ,
• movement ,
• effort ,

) 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" ;