What does endeavoring mean?
"Endeavoring" is the present participle and gerund of the verb "endeavor," meaning to make a serious, determined effort to achieve something. It conveys sustained, purposeful striving rather than a casual attempt, which gives it a formal, earnest tone suited to literary, legal, diplomatic, and professional writing. One might speak of scientists endeavoring to cure a disease, or of a nation endeavoring toward peace. As a noun form (a gerund), it can denote the act itself — "years of quiet endeavoring." The word derives ultimately from the phrase "in duty," via Old French "mettre en deveir" (to put oneself in duty), sharing a root with "debt," "due," and "duty." American English spells it "endeavoring," while British English prefers "endeavouring." Though less common in everyday speech than "trying," it remains a precise, elevated choice whenever genuine effort deserves emphasis.
Present participle of "endeavor": to make a serious, determined effort to achieve something.
"They were endeavoring to negotiate a peaceful settlement."
Followed by an infinitive with "to"; considered formal.
A gerund denoting the act of making a serious, sustained effort.
"Years of patient endeavoring went into restoring the cathedral."
Less common than the verb use; often replaced by "effort" or "striving."
Every time you say "endeavoring," you are literally putting yourself in debt — the word traces back to the Latin "debere," to owe.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of endeavoring
"Endeavoring" comes from the verb "endeavor," which entered English in the late Middle Ages from the Old French phrase "mettre en deveir," meaning "to put oneself in duty or obligation." The root traces back to Latin "debere" (to owe), the same source that gave English "debt," "due," and "duty." Originally conveying the sense of obligating oneself to a task, it gradually shifted toward its modern meaning of exerting earnest effort. The spelling split between "endeavoring" (American) and "endeavouring" (British) reflects the broader divergence between the two varieties after Noah Webster's reforms.
Related word forms
How endeavoring is actually used
Formal in register; common in official, literary, and business contexts but rare in casual conversation, where "trying" is preferred. In American English spelled "endeavoring"; British English uses "endeavouring."
Easily confused with endeavoring
"Endeavouring" is simply the British spelling of the same word, differing only in spelling, not meaning.