What does endeavouring mean?
'Endeavouring' is the present participle and gerund of the verb 'endeavour', meaning to make a serious, determined effort to achieve or accomplish something. It carries connotations of sustained, earnest exertion rather than casual attempts — one endeavours toward difficult, worthwhile goals, whether mastering a craft, completing an expedition, or resolving a dispute. The word belongs chiefly to formal registers: written reports, speeches, and literature favour it, while everyday conversation prefers simpler synonyms like 'trying' or 'striving'. Spelling varies by region, with British English retaining the '-our-' of 'endeavouring' and American English shortening it to 'endeavoring'. The word traces back through Middle English and Old French 'devoir' ('to owe, be obliged') to the Latin 'debere', making it a cousin of words like 'debt' and 'duty' — fittingly, an endeavour is something one feels bound to pursue. Its gerundial use ('her tireless endeavouring') adds a slightly literary flavour, emphasising effort as an ongoing process rather than a completed achievement.
Present participle of 'endeavour'; to strive earnestly or make a concerted effort to accomplish something.
"The rescue crews were still endeavouring to reach the stranded climbers when night fell."
Formal register; common in British English, where the '-our-' spelling predominates.
Used as a gerund, the act of making a serious effort; exertion directed toward an aim.
"Success came not from talent alone but from years of steady endeavouring."
Rare and literary; the noun 'endeavour' is normally preferred in this sense.
It's the same word on both sides of the Atlantic — only the vowels differ: the British spell it 'endeavour', Americans trim it to 'endeavor'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of endeavouring
'Endeavouring' derives from the verb 'endeavour', which entered Middle English in the 14th century from the Old French phrase 'mettre en deveir', meaning 'to put oneself in duty or obligation'. The root is the Vulgar Latin 'debere', meaning 'to owe', which also gave English 'duty', 'due', and 'debt'. The spelling split between British '-our-' and American '-or-' reflects the broader orthographic reforms of Noah Webster in the early 19th century.
Related word forms
How endeavouring is actually used
Register is distinctly formal; in everyday speech most speakers prefer 'trying' or 'working to'. The spelling with '-our-' is British; American English uses 'endeavoring'. As a gerund it is somewhat literary and rare compared with the noun 'endeavour'.
Easily confused with endeavouring
'Endearing' means inspiring affection or warmth, while 'endeavouring' means making an effort to achieve something.