attempt
Americanverb (used with object)
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to make an effort at; try; undertake; seek.
to attempt an impossible task; to attempt to walk six miles.
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Archaic. to attack; move against in a hostile manner.
to attempt a person's life.
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Archaic. to tempt.
verb
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to make an effort (to do something) or to achieve (something); try
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to try to surmount (an obstacle)
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to try to climb
they will attempt the north wall of the Eiger
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archaic to attack
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archaic to tempt
noun
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an endeavour to achieve something; effort
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a result of an attempt or endeavour
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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
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
Explanation
To attempt is to make an effort. You may attempt to read a book, but if you fail, no harm. If you attempt to jump from one building to the next and fail . . . . Ouch. The word attempt can also be used as a noun. It's an honest effort to do something. Your attempt to bake a birthday cake may look like a disaster, but the birthday boy will appreciate the effort anyway. The noun attempt can also mean an attack on a person or place, but in this case, it's best to hope that the attempt is not on your life. And never, ever attempt that sort of thing at home!
Vocabulary lists containing attempt
"Seventh Grade" by Gary Soto
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American Football, 1st Quarter
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Nothing But the Truth
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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.
The men wore women’s clothing in an attempt to evade RSF militiamen, but they were found out.
From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026
It does not attempt to rebut ratings data or engage in traditional media criticism.
From Salon • May 23, 2026
He said he fears other countries would attempt to forcibly repatriate him to El Salvador, where he believes he is at risk of persecution.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
SpaceX was forced to scrub an attempt on Thursday.
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
Leah was frustrated with the presumptuous Mrs. Kedzie and her little sisters’ attempt at independence.
From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
