Meaning & use
endeavouring
Last updated
“endeavouring” is a form of “endeavour”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
verbintransitiveformalBritish
Trying hard to achieve something.
Grammar: No object; often followed by 'to' and a verb: endeavouring to improve.
Patterns
- endeavouring to do something
She is endeavouring to learn three languages at once.
The team is endeavouring to reduce costs without cutting jobs.
He was endeavouring to explain the theory in simple terms.
Word forms
| base form | endeavour |
|---|---|
| third person singular | endeavours |
| past tense | endeavoured |
| past participle | endeavoured |
| -ing form | endeavouring |
Common combinations
- endeavouring to do something
- They are endeavouring to finish the project by Friday.
- endeavouring to improve
- The school is endeavouring to improve its results.
- constantly endeavouring
- She is constantly endeavouring to help others.
- endeavouring to ensure
- We are endeavouring to ensure that everyone is treated fairly.
Synonyms and how they differ
- trying
- Trying is the everyday word; endeavouring is more formal and suggests a serious, sustained effort.
- striving
- Striving often implies struggling against difficulty; endeavouring is more neutral and formal.
- attempting
- Attempting can suggest a single try; endeavouring suggests ongoing effort.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: endeavouring or endearing?
endeavouring vs endearing
Endearing means charming or lovable; endeavouring means trying hard.
Practice
The company is ______ to improve its customer service.
Choose one answer.
After 'is' we need the -ing form to make the present continuous. 'Endeavoured' is past, 'endeavour' is the base form, and 'endeavours' is third person singular.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “endeavouring”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.