attempt
verb (used with object)
to make an effort at; try; undertake; seek.
were attempting
-
past progressiveof attempt.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
"In the past year alone, the Border Management Authority managed to intercept and stop over 450,000 people who were attempting to enter South Africa illegally," he said.
From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2026
No ships were attempting to pass through in the early hours of Friday, according to MarineTraffic’s live map.
From Barron's ● Apr. 10, 2026
Few ships were attempting to cross the narrow waterway that normally carries 20% of the world’s crude oil.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 8, 2026
“They were attempting to take my livelihood and automate it,” she told me.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2026
We were not at all amused to hear that scoundrels were attempting to make a profit off the pauper’s food line tickets.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
