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

Most attempt the ascent with at least one Nepali guide, who do not require permits.

From BBC • May 13, 2026

Paramount Skydance has defended its attempt to buy the legendary Warner Bros. studio, in a letter to California's top lawyer whose office is probing the $110 billion bid, US media reported Tuesday.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

Employers will often attempt to quickly investigate the matter, usually by interviewing those involved or pulling emails, texts and chat messages between colleagues on work devices.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 12, 2026

In an attempt to reset his premiership after Friday's election results, Sir Keir gave a speech promising to "face up to the big challenges".

From BBC • May 11, 2026

But his paws groped at the open air, the wispy silhouette unaffected by his futile attempt.

From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman

Related Words

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