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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

endeavor

ihn-DEHV-uh
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Also spelled endeavour (UK spelling)

Endeavor (noun) means a serious, determined attempt to achieve something. Example: “Starting the charity was a personal endeavor she was proud of.”

noun
1
A serious, determined attempt to achieve something.
"Starting the charity was a personal endeavor she was proud of."
"The rescue mission was a dangerous endeavor."
verb
1
To try hard to do something.
"We will endeavor to reply within 24 hours."
"She endeavored to finish the marathon despite the injury."

How to use endeavor

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA formal way of saying "try hard" or "a determined effort."

When to use it

Fairly formal — used in business or official writing more than everyday speech.

UK vs US

This is the American spelling; British English uses "endeavour."

Easily confused with
endeavour →
Common pairings
endeavor to do something a noble endeavor business endeavor
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Word forms

Plural
endeavors
Third person singular
endeavors
Past tense
endeavored
Test yourself on “endeavor” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Starting the charity was a personal _____ she was proud of.

Etymology

From Middle English endeveren, literally "to put oneself in duty" — from in + dever ("duty"), the same root that gives us devoir in French.

Origin: French

Synonyms

View more →
undertaking venture enterprise pursuit attempt try endeavour effort strive

Related words

work business company following try interest hear test

Rhymes for endeavor

favor flavor
See all rhymes for endeavor →

Frequently asked questions

What does “endeavor” mean?
The word “endeavor” means a serious, determined attempt to achieve something. In plain terms, a formal way of saying "try hard" or "a determined effort.".
How do you pronounce “endeavor”?
“Endeavor” is pronounced ihn-DEHV-uh (/ɛnˈdɛv.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “endeavor” in a sentence?
Here is “endeavor” used in a sentence: “Starting the charity was a personal endeavor she was proud of.”
What is another word for “endeavor”?
Words with a similar meaning to “endeavor” include strive.
What part of speech is “endeavor”?
Depending on how it is used, “endeavor” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “endeavor” come from?
The word “endeavor” comes from French. From Middle English endeveren, literally "to put oneself in duty" — from in + dever ("duty"), the same root that gives us devoir in French.
Is “endeavor” a common word?
“Endeavor” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “endeavor” have?
“Endeavor” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a serious, determined attempt to achieve something.
What is the difference between endeavor and attempt?
Endeavor implies a serious, sustained, and determined effort, often toward a significant or ambitious goal. Attempt is more neutral and can describe any effort, however brief or small, without implying the same level of dedication or seriousness.
Is endeavor formal or informal?
Endeavor is a fairly formal word, more common in written English, official statements, or business contexts than in casual conversation. In everyday speech, people are more likely to say "try" or "attempt" instead.
Can endeavor be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, as a noun endeavor refers to the serious attempt itself, as in "a scientific endeavor," while as a verb it means to try hard to do something, as in "we will endeavor to finish on time."

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