attempt

American  

[uh-tempt] / əˈtɛmpt /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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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

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.

Related Words

See try.

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

Etymology

Origin of attempt

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

Example Sentences

But there are clouds on the horizon for cinema owners, said O'Leary, with unease over Paramount's attempt to swallow Warner Bros.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

“We’re actively defending ourselves against these lawsuits and are removing ads that attempt to recruit plaintiffs for them,” the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Jockey Tom Bellamy had been set to attempt to guide the Willie Mullins-trained horse to consecutive victories in Saturday's race.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

After a first unsuccessful attempt, the police SUV again pulled within feet of the vehicle as it appeared to deploy the grappler.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Certainly public arrests, with no attempt to conceal what was happening, were becoming more frequent.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom

Related Words

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