- present participle of try.
trying
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of trying
First recorded in 1570–80 for the sense “attempting”; 1710–20 for the current sense; try + -ing 2
Explanation
Use the adjective trying to describe an experience that is exasperating or difficult. Babysitting rascally kids for hours can be a trying ordeal. If you've had a trying week, you'll be relieved and happy when Friday night finally arrives. Trying things can be upsetting, tricky, or strenuous. This word comes from a sense of the verb try that means "to make severe demands on a person, or on a person's patience." The first recorded use of trying was in the early 18th century.
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.
No, because I’m not trying to bulldoze my way into the world and open a bar in Nashville.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 9, 2026
He was only 7 in 1977 when he, one of his brothers and his father were jailed for the crime of trying to escape communist Vietnam.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
"We are trying to find alternative means, maybe not as effective as the US technology, but at least to be able to maintain our independence, to be able to continue to work," said Niang.
From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026
The remark came a day after Musk accused unnamed powerful business interests of trying to block Starlink's entry into India.
From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026
“I’m trying to tell you Calvin just woke up. He’s going to be okay . . . and he’s asking for you.”
From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith
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.
