- 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.
"It was very nerve-wracking. I don't even know what I'm saying, I'm shaking and trying to sink it in," the 29-year-old said.
From BBC • Jul. 9, 2026
The shoddy construction, Slepcevic said, made it difficult for rescuers trying to access tight spaces filled with debris, the danger of a cave-in ever present.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 9, 2026
How do you maintain faith in your own vision for the Latino show you’re trying to get off the ground?
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 9, 2026
Or maybe both sides are already trying to dial things back.
From Slate • Jul. 9, 2026
He’s trying to keep his voice level, but the anger behind his tone is making that difficult.
From "Split the Sky" by Marie Arnold
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.
