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 )

Other Word Forms

• attemptability noun
• attemptable adjective
• attempter noun
• quasi-attempt verb
• reattempt verb (used with object)
• unattemptable adjective
• unattempted adjective
• unattempting adjective
• well-attempted 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

Although many people attempt to climb the summit every year, it is considered an incredibly dangerous hike.

From BBC

This year, on her third attempt, she secured victory - setting her on course to become Japan's first female prime minister once parliament confirms her appointment.

From BBC

The arrest comes after another man appeared in private at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday, charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

From BBC

It was clear, especially in the second half, that Lammens was instructed to attempt long passes towards the forwards.

From BBC

But the party says it would legislate to prevent courts having regard to it in asylum cases, with a pledge to leave if "activist judges attempt to override Parliament".

From BBC

Related Words

• attack 
• bid 
• endeavor 
• experiment 
• pursuit 
• shot 
• struggle 
• try 

When To Use

What does attempt mean?

An attempt is an effort made to complete a task, as in My attempt to go to the concert failed when my car broke down.To attempt means to try to complete a task, as in When Riddhi attempted to run to better her health, she found that she really enjoyed it too.When you attempt something, you are making some kind of effort, whether or not you succeed. To attempt is to try.Example: Louise attempted to make bread, but she forgot to add yeast to the recipe.