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
- 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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Two weeks lie ahead to attempt to make a deal between two sides that do not trust each.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
The mansion was sold in 2020 after a failed attempt to turn it into a luxury hotel.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
A military attempt to open the waterway is no sure thing.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026
The AI start-up added that Project Glasswing is “an urgent attempt to put these capabilities to work for defensive purposes.”
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
Spiritualists say that I am mad now that if I attempt to expose these tricks that I am mad.
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.
