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.
Faced with losing ground to fast-growing, technologically advanced and cheaper Chinese upstarts around the world, some automakers are choosing to join with them instead of trying to beat them.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026
Cuts to services across Metro, Ulsterbus and NI Railways are being explored under the proposals, with the company trying to make savings of £10m.
From BBC • May 24, 2026
Officials have stressed they are working to avoid an explosion and are trying to keep the chemical inside the damaged tank at the aerospace facility as cool as possible.
From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2026
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Hezbollah in a statement Sunday of trying to plunge Lebanon "back into chaos."
From Barron's • May 24, 2026
He fumbled with the soul, trying to stuff it back into the body.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
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.
