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

“The purpose is to curb attempts at remilitarization and nuclear ambitions, and the measures are entirely legitimate, reasonable and lawful,” a spokesman for the ministry said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Videos circulating online showed the woman seemingly attempting to drive away, as one masked agent is seen trying to open the vehicle’s door while another blocks her path.

From Los Angeles Times

Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab -- which has fought the Somali government for around two decades -- has vowed to fight any attempt by Israel to use Somaliland as a base.

From Barron's

Williams’ NIL deal with Washington for 2026 was estimated at $4 million, a reasonable number for a quarterback who was among the top 15 nationally in passing efficiency, passing yards and yards per attempt.

From Los Angeles Times

Steel Dynamics, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was involved in three previous failed attempts to take over BlueScope's American steelmaking operations.

From Barron's

Related Words

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