endeavor

1 of 2

verb

en·​deav·​or in-ˈde-vər How to pronounce endeavor (audio)
endeavored; endeavoring in-ˈde-v(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce endeavor (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to attempt (something, such as the fulfillment of an obligation) by exertion of effort
endeavors to finish the race
2
archaic : to strive to achieve or reach

intransitive verb

: to work with set purpose

endeavor

2 of 2

noun

1
: serious determined effort
2
: activity directed toward a goal : enterprise
fields of endeavor
Choose the Right Synonym for endeavor

attempt, try, endeavor, essay, strive mean to make an effort to accomplish an end.

attempt stresses the initiation or beginning of an effort.

will attempt to photograph the rare bird

try is often close to attempt but may stress effort or experiment made in the hope of testing or proving something.

tried to determine which was the better procedure

endeavor heightens the implications of exertion and difficulty.

endeavored to find crash survivors in the mountains

essay implies difficulty but also suggests tentative trying or experimenting.

will essay a dramatic role for the first time

strive implies great exertion against great difficulty and specifically suggests persistent effort.

continues to strive for peace

Examples of endeavor in a Sentence

Verb As urbanization advanced, it swept away the distinctive physical and social characteristics of the culture of the past, substituting undifferentiated built environments and standardized patterns of dress and behavior. Hand-camera users endeavored to reaffirm individuality and arrest time in the face of the encroaching depersonalization of existence. Naomi Rosenblum, A World History of Photography, 1989
At some time in their careers, most good historians itch to write a history of the world, endeavor to discover what makes humanity the most destructive and creative of species. Paul Johnson, New York Times Book Review, 7 Apr. 1985
The school endeavors to teach students to be good citizens. They endeavored to create a government that truly serves its people. Noun Sgt. Pepper was our grandest endeavor. Ringo Starr, in The Beatles Anthology, 2000
Science has traditionally accepted the smartest students, the most committed and self-sacrificing researchers, and the cleanest money—that is, money with the fewest political strings attached. In both theory and practice, science in this century has been perceived as a noble endeavor. Science, 13 Feb. 1998
The miraculous thing I have to report, a secret so precious I hesitate to share it, is how docilely and utterly the critic in one goes to sleep when a creative endeavor is afoot. John Updike, New York Times Book Review, 21 June 1987
His endeavors have gone unrewarded. She is involved in several artistic endeavors. Technology is the fastest-changing area of human endeavor.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Throughout history, scientists have endeavored to understand how the human body moves. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Mar. 2024 Other candidates have also endeavored to present their vision. Will McCarthy, The Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2024 Brett has also endeavored into a similar business venture by starting Harrelson’s Own CBD. Skyler Trepel, Peoplemag, 8 Feb. 2024 Indeed, multiple sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that the major sports leagues were all caught off guard by the announcement of the joint venture, though executives at the media companies endeavored to reach out and loop them in a few hours before it was revealed. Alex Weprin, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2024 Department of Administration Director Jack Robb said the state is endeavoring to shed the supplies safely and without wasting money but already has discarded some. Jennifer Peltz, Fortune, 20 Dec. 2023 Together, the father and son embark on a journey across the Arizona desert, endeavoring to save their failing business from bankruptcy, overcome drug addiction, and heal their traumatized relationship. The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2024 And now, both new and longtime viewers can tune in as the eagles endeavor to keep their eggs warm from a wallop of wintry weather. Amy Hubbard, Los Angeles Times, 2 Feb. 2024 As recent events here and abroad have proven, those of us who believe that freedom is anchored in the rule of law must endeavor together. Lindsay Craig, National Review, 13 Dec. 2023
Noun
Moreover, a critical hurdle lies in the lack of enthusiasm for spending within the U.S. Congress, which holds the key to funding such endeavors. George Dvorsky / Gizmodo, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 With Dilla’s estate backing the endeavor, properly saluting the Detroit icon in a tasteful manner was of the utmost importance to Royce. Michael Saponara, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2024 Academically, her incredible GPA of 3.98 reflects her dedication to excellence in all endeavors. Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 But its most interesting endeavor might be a survey of humanity’s cultural practices. Julian Lucas, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2024 The ‘love’ in question is Siegel’s latest entrepreneurial endeavor, Queen of Versailles Coffee. Chelsea Davis, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 While the various legal maneuvers proceed in the courts and the bureaucratic endeavors meander through City Hall, the old church remains a forlorn and empty structure next to a field, parking lot and groups of vehicles on the site. George Avalos, The Mercury News, 1 Mar. 2024 Here’s some helpful advice to show you how to get the most out of your literary endeavor. New York Times, 29 Feb. 2024 Ahead of these other endeavors and NASA’s upcoming Artemis missions, the journey of Odysseus was a test flight of sorts. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'endeavor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb and Noun

Middle English endeveren to exert oneself, from en- + dever duty — more at devoir

First Known Use

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 2

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of endeavor was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near endeavor

Cite this Entry

“Endeavor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endeavor. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

endeavor

verb
en·​deav·​or
in-ˈdev-ər
endeavored; endeavoring
-(ə-)riŋ
1
: to make an effort : try
2
: to work for a particular goal or result
endeavor noun

More from Merriam-Webster on endeavor

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