[1895–1900; effort + -ful]This word is first recorded in the period 1895–1900. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Marxism, apothecaries' measure, backwind, flamenco, frame of reference-ful is a suffix meaning “full of,” “characterized by” (shameful; beautiful; careful; thoughtful); “tending to,” “able to” (wakeful; harmful); or “as much as will fill” (spoonful)
Examples of 'effortful' in a sentence
effortful
Running was never effortful: it meant only freedom.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Her effortful singing in her big solo is the prime disappointment.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Diplomacy and its close relation, effortful crowd-pleasing, are both overrated.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
I am increasingly aware of how effortful and messy our regular suppers are.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But earlier he sounds effortful and strained, especially high up.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Eventually, through practice, it becomes automatic and less effortful.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
This is gratifying - but simultaneously confirms the intensely effortful nature of this lark.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
We are not into all this forceful, effortful, yippy, yappy, living-and-winning-at-any-cost stuff.