attempt

[ uh-tempt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make an effort at; try; undertake; seek:

   to attempt an impossible task; to attempt to walk six miles.

2. Archaic. to attack; move against in a hostile manner:

   to attempt a person's life.

3. Archaic. to tempt.

noun

1. an effort made to accomplish something:

   He made an attempt to swim across the lake.

   Synonyms: endeavor, try

2. an attack or assault:

   an attempt upon the leader's life.

attempt

/ əˈtɛmpt /

verb

1. to make an effort (to do something) or to achieve (something); try
2. to try to surmount (an obstacle)
3. to try to climb

   they will attempt the north wall of the Eiger

4. archaic.
   to attack
5. archaic.
   to tempt

noun

1. an endeavour to achieve something; effort
2. a result of an attempt or endeavour
3. an attack, esp with the intention to kill

   an attempt on his life

Usage

Attempt should not be used in the passive when followed by an infinitive: attempts were made to find a solution (not a solution was attempted to be found )

Derived Forms

• atˈtemptable, adjective
• atˈtempter, noun

Other Words From

• at·tempta·bili·ty noun
• at·tempta·ble adjective
• at·tempter noun
• quasi-at·tempt verb
• reat·tempt verb (used with object)
• unat·tempta·ble adjective
• unat·tempted adjective
• unat·tempting adjective
• well-at·tempted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of attempt¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Anglo-French atempter from Latin attemptāre “to test, tamper with.” See at-, tempt

Word History and Origins

Origin of attempt¹

C14: from Old French attempter, from Latin attemptāre to strive after, from tentāre to try

Synonym Study

See try.

Example Sentences

In its attempt to discredit the story, the JPO inadvertently confirmed that fact.

From The Daily Beast

The email appears to have been a relatively common attempt to gain personal information from a wide range of unwitting victims.

From The Daily Beast

The attempt to “breed back” the Auroch of Teutonic legend was of a piece with the Nazi obsession with racial purity and eugenics.

From The Daily Beast

Their first attempt to unseat the House speaker failed miserably, so why not try again?

From The Daily Beast

He was killed by his captors during the U.S. rescue attempt in Yemen in December.

From The Daily Beast

I do not know how things are in America but in England there has been a ridiculous attempt to suppress Bolshevik propaganda.

From Project Gutenberg

She began the study of drawing at the age of thirty, and her first attempt in oils was made seven years later.

From Project Gutenberg

This was somewhat tiresome; and, after a rather feeble attempt at a third laugh, Davy said, "I don't feel like it any more."

From Project Gutenberg

In cases in which no attempt is made to ignore the accusation, the small wits are wont to be busy discovering exculpations.

From Project Gutenberg

But it was a long time before he found any one who was willing to attempt to rearrange his scribbled thoughts.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pursue
• seek
• solicit
• tackle
• undertake