What does "attempt" mean?
The action of trying at something.
Attempt
/əˈtɛmpt/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The action of trying at something.
- Grammar: attempt is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: effort, try, assay, endeavor.
- Useful contrasts: accomplish, accomplishment, achieve.
- Usage evidence: Our attempt has proved to be a failure.
How to use "attempt"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "attempt" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "attempt" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "attempt" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "attempt" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "attempt" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "effort" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "attempt", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The action of trying at something.
"We made an attempt to cross the stream, but didn’t manage."
- 2 the act of attacking wordnet
- 3 An assault or attack, especially an assassination attempt.
"No man can charge us of any attempt against the realm."
- 4 earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something wordnet
- 5 A substantial but unsuccessful effort (to commit a crime).
"Whoever voluntarily abandons the further commission of the offence or prevents its completion incurs no penalty for attempt."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 An act of trying to commit suicide
"Her attempt was not successful, and resulted in her being hospitalized."
Verb
- 1 To try.
"to attempt an escape from prison"
- 2 enter upon an activity or enterprise wordnet
- 3 To try to move, by entreaty, by afflictions, or by temptations; to tempt. obsolete
"Yet since I see you fearful, that neither my coat, integrity, nor persuasion can with ease attempt you, I will go further than I meant, to pluck all fears out of you."
- 4 make an effort or attempt wordnet
- 5 To try to win, subdue, or overcome. archaic
"one who attempts the virtue of a woman"
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To attack; to make an effort or attack upon; to try to take by force. archaic
"to attempt the enemy’s camp"
- 7 To make a substantial but unsuccessful effort (to commit a crime).
"Whoever takes a direct and immediate step towards the realisation of the offence as envisaged by them attempts to commit an offence."
Example
"Our attempt has proved to be a failure."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "attempt"?
Common synonyms include: effort, try, assay, endeavor, essay, seek.
How do you use "attempt" in a sentence?
Our attempt has proved to be a failure.
How do you pronounce "attempt"?
Pronounced /əˈtɛmpt/.
Etymology
Late 14th century, as Middle English attempten, from Old French atempter, from Latin attemptō (“I try, solicit”), from ad (“to”) + temptare, more correctly tentare (“to try”); see tempt. The noun is from the 1530s, the sense "an assault on somebody's life, assassination attempt" (French attentat) is from 1580.