attempt
verb (used with object)
to make an effort at; try; undertake; seek.
have been attempting
-
present perfect progressiveof attempt.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Scientists have been attempting to measure big G for more than 225 years, beginning roughly a century after Isaac Newton introduced his law of universal gravitation.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 20, 2026
Early indications do suggest the suspect may have been attempting to target members of the Trump administration, though officials caution that those findings are preliminary and have not been fully confirmed.
From Salon ● Apr. 26, 2026
But remnants of the group have been attempting to regroup.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 21, 2026
Australia and its Western allies, including the United States, have been attempting to counter these efforts.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2025
“While for the past month you’ve left Nathan hanging, I have been attempting to give him answers. It’s natural that he should confide in me when he is told such a thing.”
From "Every Day" by David Levithan
