least effort
1
3.4
- noun
:
mínimo esfuerzo
- In modern society, value has been established in the concept of greatest return for least effort or contribution, also known as profit or interest, which is something for nothing.
And it's so simple and it's literally like takes very little effort.
- And it's so simple and it's literally like takes very little effort.
- Well, let me put your mind at rest because you can do all of this with very, very little effort.
Examples
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The gardener uses tools that require the least effort to maintain her beautiful garden.
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Many students prefer study techniques that provide the most understanding for the least effort.
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A lot of people are interested in jobs that give them the most income for the least effort.
Blog text (9) -
However, it must be noted that the human activity referred to previously should be organized and intended directly towards the target to accomplish it with the least effort, time, and cost.
Academic text (2012) -
Let's say running a PPC bid management service earns an internet marketing company the most money with the least effort.
Blog text (20) -
Decision makers must prioritize development work that will produce the most benefit for the least effort, while also creating a long-term roadmap that will incorporate the full range of Ultrabook-focused capabilities.
Blog text (29) -
Satisficing resonates with Zipf's frequently cited principle of least effort (1949), the view that, all other things being equal, human behavior tends to follow a path of minimum effort.
Academic text (2006) -
In his fitness plan, he aims to get the best results for the least effort possible.
Antonyms
How Effortful
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'the smallest possible amount of effort' is directly and compositionally derived from combining 'least' (smallest degree) with 'effort' (attempt/energy). This modifier+noun pattern is morphologically transparent and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
The phrase least effort gives a simple picture: imagine choosing the path that needs the least effort, a small push that still gets the job done. So it means 'the smallest possible amount of effort needed'.