- 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.
She found out just how critical that skill was when desperately trying to escape a violent sea otter.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
“We are trying to be ready for a prolonged war,” a senior government official said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026
Graham Skinner, the health, safety and security manager at OEUK, said the affected workforce was trying hard to reach the new limit.
From BBC ● Sep. 2, 2026
"People are down there trying to perform, and it's their career and their job. It seems a bit disrespectful," Pegula concluded.
From Barron's ● Sep. 2, 2026
I just wish she’d stop trying to impress upon me how important this is and trust that I get it.
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.
