The endeavor meaning is a serious try at something: as a verb, to endeavor is to make a real effort to do it, and as a noun, an endeavor is the attempt or the project itself. "We endeavor to reply within a day" and "Starting a bakery was her boldest endeavor" show both uses.
It is a more formal word than try, and it suggests effort over time rather than a quick go. You will also see it spelled endeavour, which is the British form used in the UK, India, Australia and much of the Commonwealth. The meaning of endeavour and endeavor is exactly the same.
Entry at a glance
Meaning
To try hard (verb); a sincere effort or venture (noun)Part of speech
Verb and nounPronunciation
en-DEV-erSpelling
endeavor (US); endeavour (UK, India, Australia)Word forms
endeavors, endeavored, endeavoringOrigin
Old French phrase mettre en deveir, to make it one's dutyRegister
Formal; common in letters, contracts and speeches
Endeavor meaning as a verb
Used this way, endeavor almost always comes before to plus another verb: "endeavor to finish", "endeavor to improve". It means to try seriously, with care and effort. Companies love it in customer notices because it sounds committed without promising a result: "We endeavor to deliver all orders within three days" means they will try hard, not that they guarantee it.
Because it is formal, endeavor can sound stiff in casual talk. Saying "I'll endeavor to grab milk on the way home" would likely get a laugh. In a cover letter or formal report it sits comfortably.
Endeavor definition as a noun
To define endeavor as a noun: it is an attempt to achieve something, often something large, new or difficult. It can name a single effort ("her endeavor to climb the peak") or a whole field of activity ("scientific endeavor", "human endeavor"). The plural endeavors often means a person's projects or pursuits: "Good luck in your future endeavors" is a polite line used when someone leaves a job or school.
| Phrase | Sense |
|---|---|
| a joint endeavor | A project shared by two or more people or groups |
| in an endeavor to | In an attempt to |
| every endeavor | All possible effort |
| creative endeavors | Artistic projects and hobbies |
| future endeavors | Whatever someone does next |
Examples in sentences
- The clinic endeavors to see every walk-in patient before closing time.
- Building a community garden on the empty lot was a joint endeavor of three schools.
- He endeavored to stay calm while the flight was delayed for the fourth time.
- Writing her first novel turned out to be a five year endeavor.
- In an endeavor to save fuel, the town switched its buses to a shorter route.
A volunteer group spends months raising money, training swimmers and fixing up an old pool so local children can learn to swim for free.
That whole effort is an endeavor: a sustained, purposeful attempt at something worthwhile and not easy.
Endeavor or endeavour: which spelling?
Use endeavor if you are writing for an American audience or following US style. Use endeavour for British, Indian, Australian, Canadian (mostly) and other Commonwealth readers. The same pattern holds for color/colour and honor/honour. The American -or spelling became standard in the US after spelling reforms in the early 19th century. Whichever you pick, keep it the same through one piece of writing.
In British and Indian contracts, you may see best endeavours or reasonable endeavours. These phrases set how much effort a party has promised, and courts can read them as different levels of duty.
Where the word came from
Endeavor dates from the early 15th century. It grew out of the Old French phrase mettre en deveir, roughly "to put oneself in duty", which English partly translated as "put oneself in dever". The French deveir (duty) comes from Latin debere, to owe, the same root behind debt. So at its root, to endeavor is to treat a task as something you owe your effort to.
Endeavor compared with try, attempt and strive
- Try is the everyday word, used for anything from a new snack to a hard exam.
- Attempt is a little more formal and often hints that success is not certain.
- Endeavor stresses sincere, ongoing effort, and as a noun it can name a whole undertaking.
- Strive adds struggle: you strive against something difficult.
Qualities that help any endeavor include perseverance, tenacity and being diligent. Your next stop for words of effort and intent: the everyday vocabulary hub, where effort words sit together.
Frequently asked questions
What does endeavor mean in simple words?
To try hard to do something, or a serious effort to do it. "I will endeavor to help" means "I will really try to help."
Is it endeavor or endeavour?
Both are correct. Endeavor is the American spelling, and endeavour is used in British English and in India. The endeavour definition is the same as the American definition of endeavor.
How do you pronounce endeavor?
Say en-DEV-er and lean on DEV. The last two syllables rhyme with "clever".
What does "future endeavors" mean?
It means whatever projects, jobs or plans someone takes on next. "Best wishes for your future endeavors" is a common farewell line.
Can I use endeavor in casual speech?
You can, but it sounds formal, so it may come across as playful or stiff. In everyday chat, try or work on is more natural.
What is the past tense of endeavor?
The past tense is endeavored in American English and endeavoured in British English.