attempt
[ uh-tempt ]
/ əˈtɛmpt /
Save This Word!
verb (used with object)
to make an effort at; try; undertake; seek: to attempt an impossible task; to attempt to walk six miles.
Archaic. to attack; move against in a hostile manner: to attempt a person's life.
Archaic. to tempt.
noun
an effort made to accomplish something: He made an attempt to swim across the lake.
an attack or assault: an attempt upon the leader's life.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of attempt
synonym study for attempt
1. See try.
OTHER WORDS FROM attempt
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use attempt in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for attempt
attempt
/ (əˈtɛmpt) /
verb (tr)
noun
Derived forms of attempt
attemptable, adjectiveattempter, nounWord Origin for attempt
C14: from Old French attempter, from Latin attemptāre to strive after, from tentāre to try
usage for attempt
Attempt should not be used in the passive when followed by an infinitive: attempts were made to find a solution (not a solution was attempted to be found)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012