The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ATTEMPTED
A
T
T
E
M
P
T
E
D
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Made an effort" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case made an effort = attempted.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ATTEMPTED mean?
ATTEMPTED verb- To try.
- To try to move, by entreaty, by afflictions, or by temptations; to tempt.
- To try to win, subdue, or overcome.
- To attack; to make an effort or attack upon; to try to take by force.
- Tried, with the connotation of failure.