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

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!

Example Sentences

After a failed attempt to acquire what was then Time Warner, Murdoch sold most of the company’s entertainment assets to Disney for $71.3 billion in 2019.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

After two bankruptcies, and a failed attempt to secure another government bailout, Spirit shut down.

From Barron's • May 8, 2026

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department joins a growing number of law enforcement agencies trying out a relatively new technology in an attempt to curb chases and the injuries and deaths that can follow.

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2026

It’s been used as a marketing tactic in an attempt to appeal to younger consumers and increase profits.

From Salon • May 7, 2026

She glanced once at the willow tree and gave what was clearly an attempt at a reassuring nod, and then away.

From "Impossible Creatures" by Katherine Rundell

Related Words

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