To strive to (do something); to make a concerted effort to (do something).
Verb [volitional form] + と + 努めるPrimary
This means you try hard to do something. You put in effort to make it happen.
政府は、国民の理解を得ようと努めている。
The government is striving to gain the understanding of its citizens.
彼は最後まで諦めず、目標を達成しようと努めた。
He strove to achieve his goal without giving up until the very end.
あの選手は自分の弱点を克服しようと努めないため、なかなか上達しない。
Because that athlete doesn't strive to overcome their weaknesses, they don't improve much.
お客様にご満足いただけるよう、サービスの向上に努めておりますが、まだ至らない点もございます。
We are striving to improve our services so that our customers will be satisfied, but there are still points where we fall short.
今後は、より公平な判断を下せるよう努めます。
From now on, I will strive to be able to make fairer judgments.
This phrase shows you are really trying hard. You are working towards a big or tough goal. It is like pushing a heavy rock up a hill. You do not use it for easy, everyday things.
This is like 'try to do'. It is stronger than '〜ようにする'. That means 'try to make a habit'. It is also stronger than '〜ようと心がける'. That means 'try to keep in mind'. Use '〜ようと努める' for big, hard goals. It shows you are working hard to reach them.
Don't use this when you talk to friends. It sounds too formal. For example, don't say "毎日日本語を勉強しようと努めます" to your friend. Use it for writing or speeches.
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