# effortless

/ˈɛfɝtɫəs/ (US) · /ˈɛfətləs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/effortless
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

describing something that looks very easy to do, even if it is actually difficult. It shows that someone has a lot of skill or natural talent.

For teachers: appearing to require little or no physical or mental exertion. Often used to describe a performance or action that masks the underlying skill or hard work involved.

## Examples

- She makes playing the piano look effortless.
- The athlete won the race with an effortless stride, barely looking tired as he crossed the finish line.
- The author's effortless prose hides the fact that she spent years meticulously editing every sentence to achieve such a natural flow.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'seem' or 'look'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.