- 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.
“These jobs aren’t even dirty jobs anymore,” said Yurick, adding that she has also heard from employers who say they are trying to hire women, believing they possess high maturity levels and are detail-oriented.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026
McHugh said that "as long as I know the words and I'm not trying to read them off an iPad then I'm absolutely there in that moment".
From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026
And I just had a whole chapter of preaching about the evils of all these quasi-sinful things one can do when trying to rhyme.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 2, 2026
Like, what am I trying to tell you?
From Salon ● Nov. 2, 2026
Two children, trying to play, stab sticks into the mud.
From "Will’s Race for Home" by Jewell Parker Rhodes
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
