# endeavor

/ɪnˈdɛvɝ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/endeavor
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a serious effort

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

a serious and determined effort to achieve something.

For teachers: a sincere and industrious attempt to accomplish a specific goal or task.

- The space program was a massive scientific endeavor that took years of planning.
- The restoration of the ancient cathedral was a collaborative endeavor involving historians, architects, and local craftsmen.

### 2. to try hard

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to try very hard to do something.

For teachers: to exert oneself with purpose; to make a strenuous effort to achieve an objective.

- We will endeavor to finish the project before the deadline.
- The diplomat promised to endeavor to resolve the conflict through peaceful negotiations despite the rising tensions.

Usage: Often followed by an infinitive ('to' + verb).

Teaching tip: This verb is much more formal than 'try' or 'attempt'; it is best reserved for professional or academic writing.

## Examples

- Learning a new language is a big endeavor.
- The team viewed the software update as a major endeavor requiring months of work.
- The restoration of the historic library was a monumental endeavor, demanding both significant funding and meticulous attention to architectural detail.

---

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.