endeavor

en-DEV-ur/ɛnˈdɛv.ɚ/UKin-DEV-uh/ɪnˈdɛv.ə/

Pluralendeavors

Verbendeavors, endeavoring, endeavored

UK spellingendeavour

5 meanings of endeavor

1
serious attemptnouncountable or uncountable
A serious try to reach a goal, done with steady effort over time.
Like climbing a mountain step by step until you reach the top.
Learning a new language is a difficult endeavor.
Her endeavor to finish the race left everyone impressed.
Similarundertaking, venture, enterprise, pursuit, activity
Note
2
try to doverbintransitive
To try hard to do something, putting real effort into it.
Like pushing hard on a stuck door until it finally opens.
We endeavor to help every customer who calls.
He endeavored to fix the problem before the deadline.
Similarstrive, try, attempt, seek, aim
Note
3
work steadilyverbintransitive
To work hard in a steady, focused way toward a clear goal.
Good teachers endeavor long after the school day ends, planning each lesson with care.
She endeavored quietly, never seeking praise for her work.
Similartoil, labor, work, strive

Less common meanings

4
push yourselfverbobsolete
To push yourself hard and make a big physical or mental effort.
Like rowing with all your strength against a fast river.
Soldiers endeavor through the night, sparing no strength.
He endeavored mightily until his strength gave out.
Note
5
take onverbobsoletetransitive
To try to do or achieve a particular task or thing.
Like setting out to finish a big puzzle you have never tried.
The explorers endeavored the crossing despite the danger.
They endeavor any task their master sets them.
Note

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Origin

From Middle English endeveren, "to make an effort." It came from a phrase meaning to put oneself "in duty," using in plus dever ("duty").