Things will get better despite our efforts to improve them

But our efforts to improve this place have been interrupted by the city.

Most of us have had that experience - at around puberty - of realising that, despite whatever efforts we put into our chosen sports, we will become at best competent.

If it looks like this is a leaky system despite FDA's efforts to really step it up, we may very well call for it to be taken off the market,

If, despite your best efforts, you just absolutely abhor what you are doing, then start looking around to find out what does turn you on. If you are turned on and can generate some sense of passion, then you will be successful.

Despite the best efforts of the F.C.C. to create competition, after the bubble burst, there weren't any competitive alternative to the Bells. Now that the cable operators are able to offer voice service to complement their high-speed data, commercial services are a cherry waiting to be picked.