- present participle of try.
trying
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of trying
First recorded in 1570–80 for the sense “attempting”; 1710–20 for the current sense; try + -ing 2
Explanation
Use the adjective trying to describe an experience that is exasperating or difficult. Babysitting rascally kids for hours can be a trying ordeal. If you've had a trying week, you'll be relieved and happy when Friday night finally arrives. Trying things can be upsetting, tricky, or strenuous. This word comes from a sense of the verb try that means "to make severe demands on a person, or on a person's patience." The first recorded use of trying was in the early 18th century.
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.
“They’ve been very helpful, or they’re trying to be,” he said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026
"I know how it feels as an artist and trying to put yourself out there and break through those doors," she says.
From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026
“It’s one of the biggest struggles of our lives right now, trying to make everyone happy but not lose ourselves in the process,” Buscema said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026
Like, what am I trying to tell you?
From Salon ● Nov. 2, 2026
Aunt J is calling around, trying to get the status of her friends who were down there.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
