mindmap root((努力)) effort often suggests a single action or attempt or persistent activity and implies the calling up or directing of energy by the conscious will: made the supreme ~ and crossed the finish line first. exertion may describe the bringing into effect of any power of mind or body or it may suggest laborious and exhausting effort: a job not requiring much physical ~. pains implies toilsome or solicitous effort by a conscientious agent: took ~ to do the job well. trouble implies effort that inconveniences or wastes time and patience: went to a lot of ~ to get the right equipment.