attempt
verb (used with object)
to make an effort at; try; undertake; seek.
attempted
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past participleof attempt.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof attempt.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
attemptverb (used with object)to make an effort at; try; undertake; seek.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
According to AFP journalists, protesters attempted to force their way into government offices on the capital’s main boulevard on Friday.
From Barron's ● Oct. 16, 2026
He said MI5's successes in identifying and expelling Russian spies from the UK had left the Kremlin dependent on paying proxies for attempted attacks.
From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026
The niche, sometimes unbelievable drama of this community attracts rubberneckers who’ve never even attempted German short rows or an Italian bind-off in their lives.
From Slate ● Oct. 11, 2026
But they privately acknowledge the idea of tying all those loose threads together in one big conspiracy case in South Florida, as they had initially attempted, isn’t a practical approach.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 10, 2026
The smaller children were hauled off to bed, but no one else attempted to leave.
From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer
