tried
Americanverb
adjective
-
tested and proved good, dependable, or trustworthy.
a man of tried talents and integrity.
-
subjected to hardship, worry, trouble, or the like.
verb
Etymology
Origin of tried
First recorded in 1350–1400
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.
This is not the world’s biggest problem, but it has created a lot more friction when I’ve tried to use my top sports apps to, well, check sports scores.
From Slate • Jun. 10, 2026
No one there tried to make me a “Mario Kart” devotee.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
‘Family murder cases are heartbreaking for everyone, including attorneys on both sides ... This case should be tried in the courtroom, not in the press,’ writes an L.A.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
Fujimori, 51, has already tried and failed to reach the presidency three times.
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
I was as starved for the sight of a human face as for the food and tried in a hoarse croak to start a conversation.
From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.