1. (

• striving ,
• nisus ,
• pains ,
• strain

) an effortful attempt to attain a goal ;

1. (

• endeavor ,
• endeavour ,
• strive

) attempt by employing effort; "we endeavor to make our customers happy" ;

2. (

• strive ,
• reach ,
• strain

) to exert much effort or energy; "straining our ears to hear" ;