attempt
verb (used with object)
to make an effort at; try; undertake; seek.
attempting
-
present participleof attempt.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
Federal agents arrested Luo in 2025 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport as she was attempting to board a flight to China.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 14, 2026
In 2019, Moscow detained an unnamed Japanese journalist from Kyodo News on suspicion of attempting to obtain military secrets.
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2026
The researchers began by attempting to record development in 100 fertilized mouse eggs.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 13, 2026
Rams defensive lineman Kobie Turner injured his elbow attempting to arm tackle Allen in 2024.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 12, 2026
The selective breeding of the strongest, smartest, “fittest” humans—unnatural selection—Galton imagined, could achieve over just a few decades what nature had been attempting for eons.
From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee
