attempt
verb (used with object)
to make an effort at; try; undertake; seek.
had attempted
-
past perfectof attempt.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to concerns about retaliation, said that their relative confirmed sailors had attempted to jump from the ship.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026
Never mind that Brunson had attempted 29 shots and missed 19 of them.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 4, 2026
The ship had attempted to dock in Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of Senegal, but officials there did not allow it.
From MarketWatch ● May 5, 2026
Wings forward Alanna Smith had attempted to block Clark’s three-point shot but did not leave proper space for the shooter to land.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2026
In one evening, he had had his first real argument with Silas, had attempted to run away from home, had failed to run away, and now failed to return home.
From "The Graveyard Book" by Neil Gaiman
