Attempt
/əˈtɛmpt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make an effort to do or achieve something.
/əˈtɛmpt/
To try to do something, especially something difficult.
He attempted to climb Mount Everest.
💡 Simply: To try to do something.
More Examples
They attempted a daring escape.
How It's Used
"She attempted to solve the puzzle."
"He attempted a three-pointer."
An act of trying to do something.
/əˈtɛmpt/
An effort to do something, especially something difficult.
This is my first attempt at baking a cake.
💡 Simply: A try.
More Examples
Their attempt to reach the summit was unsuccessful.
How It's Used
"His attempt to fix the car failed."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
make an attempt
To try to do something.
"He made an attempt to open the door."
From Old French *atempter, from Latin *temptāre "to try, test, touch".
The word 'attempt' has been used in a similar sense since the Middle Ages.
Memory tip
Think of 'tempt' – tempting fate by trying something risky.
Word Origin
"to try, test, touch"