What does endeavour mean?
'Endeavour' denotes a serious, determined effort toward achieving something difficult or worthwhile, functioning as both a noun (an attempt or undertaking) and a verb (to strive or try hard). The word carries a distinctly formal and dignified tone: one does not 'endeavour' to open a jar casually, but rather to complete a demanding project or uphold a principle. As a noun it can describe both the act of striving and the ambitious enterprise itself, as in 'a noble endeavour' or 'human endeavour'. It appears frequently in academic, diplomatic, and official writing, particularly in British English, where the -our spelling is standard. Its connotations of perseverance and sincerity give it a positive, even inspirational quality, making it a favourite of speeches, mottos, and institutional names.
An earnest, conscientious attempt or effort to achieve something; also, an ambitious or purposeful undertaking.
"Mapping the human genome was one of the greatest endeavours in the history of science."
Often modified by adjectives such as 'noble', 'heroic', or 'scientific'; commonly used in the plural.
To try hard or strive to do or achieve something.
"The company endeavours to minimise its environmental impact at every stage of production."
Frequently followed by an infinitive ('endeavour to do something'); common in formal British English, especially in official or commercial language.
The plural is common when referring to multiple efforts or undertakings, especially in formal writing.
"His artistic endeavours spanned five decades and several continents."
The space shuttle Endeavour was named after Captain Cook's ship HMS Endeavour — itself named for the very word that means 'to strive'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of endeavour
'Endeavour' derives from the Middle English phrase 'putten in dever', meaning 'to put oneself into duty or obligation', from 'dever', which came from Old French 'devoir' (duty), ultimately rooted in the Latin verb 'debere' (to owe). This same Latin root gave English the words 'debt', 'due', and 'duty', making them close cousins of 'endeavour'. The word took on its modern sense of strenuous effort by the early modern period, and the -our spelling reflects standard British orthography.
How endeavour is actually used
'Endeavour' carries a formal register and often connotes sustained, worthy, sometimes heroic effort rather than casual trying. It appears more frequently in British English than American English, where 'endeavor' with an -or spelling dominates. The verb sense is common in formal correspondence ('we endeavour to...').
Easily confused with endeavour
'Endeavour' is the British spelling while 'endeavor' is the American spelling; both carry the same meaning.