Another Word for Effort: 20 Synonyms with Examples
Effort is the physical or mental energy needed to do something, or an attempt. Swap it to stress hard work, an attempt or a joint campaign.
As a noun: energy used to do something
- exertion
- work
- energy
- labour
- struggle
- strain
- trouble
- toil
As a noun: an attempt
As a noun: an organised campaign
- campaign
- drive
- push
- initiative
- operation
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How they differ
Synonyms share a meaning, not always a tone. Here is when to pick each of the main options.
- exertion
- Physical effort, often tiring.
- work
- Plain; effort put into a task.
- struggle
- Great effort against difficulty.
- attempt
- An act of trying, which may or may not succeed.
- endeavour
- Formal; a serious attempt to achieve something.
- drive
- An organised effort to achieve a goal: "a recruitment drive".
Example sentences
- exertion: He was red-faced from the exertion of the climb.
- work: A lot of work went into planning the party.
- struggle: Getting the sofa up the stairs was a real struggle.
- attempt: She passed her driving test at the first attempt.
- endeavour: We wish you every success in your future endeavours.
- drive: The hospital launched a drive to recruit more nurses.
Opposite of effort
- ease
- idleness
- laziness
More from WordNet
Less common or more specialised words WordNet lists for other senses of “effort”. Check the meaning before you use one.
noun: endeavor, travail, sweat, feat, exploit, cause, crusade, movement
WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Used under the WordNet licence.
Frequently asked questions
What is another word for “effort”?
The most useful alternatives are “exertion”, “work”, “energy”, “labour”, “struggle”. For the main sense (energy used to do something), “exertion” is usually the closest swap.
What is the difference between “exertion” and “work”?
exertion: Physical effort, often tiring. work: Plain; effort put into a task.
What is the opposite of “effort”?
Common antonyms are “ease”, “idleness”, “laziness”.