attempt, effort, endeavor, endeavour, try: earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something; "made an effort to cover all the reading material"; "wished him luck in his endeavor"; "she gave it a good try" effort, elbow_grease, exertion, travail, sweat: use of physical or mental energy; hard work; "he got an A for effort"; "they managed only with great exertion" campaign, cause, crusade, drive, movement, effort: a series of actions advancing a principle or tending toward a particular end; "he supported populist campaigns"; "they worked in the cause of world peace"; "the team was ready for a drive toward the pennant"; "the movement to end slavery"; "contributed to the war effort" deed, feat, effort, exploit: a notable achievement; "he performed a great deed"; "the book was her finest effort"