at·tempt
ə-ˈtem(p)t 
attempted; attempting; attempts
1
: to make an effort to do, accomplish, solve, or effect
He attempted to swim the swollen river.
2
archaic
: tempt
3
archaic
: to try to subdue or take by force : attack
1
a
: the act or an instance of trying to do or accomplish something : an act or instance of attempting something
She failed the test on her first attempt but passed on her second attempt.
They made an attempt [=tried] to be helpful.
often
: an unsuccessful effort
a suicide attempt
b
: something resulting from or representing an attempt
… surrounded by lemon trees and a few attempts at rose bushes.—
Marian Engel
Marian EngelSynonyms
Examples of attempt in a Sentence
Verb
They've attempted a climb up Mount Everest once before.
She attempted suicide early in their marriage.
Noun
She failed her driving test on the first attempt but she succeeded on her second attempt.
Her attempt at a home-cooked meal consisted of frozen fish sticks and a can of soup.
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Casey and Mike Catalini The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025
In 2019, a few supported Trump by publicly describing Greenland’s strategic importance — and reminding that the U.S. twice attempted to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
—Ryan P. Burke, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2025
Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2025
Jackson missed on his first four attempts but finally completed a pretty basic two-handed flush.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for attempt 
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Verb
In the case filed by four states in Seattle, U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour said the Trump administration was attempting to ignore the Constitution, with the president trying to change it with an executive order.
—Michael Casey and Mike Catalini The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 15 Feb. 2025
In 2019, a few supported Trump by publicly describing Greenland’s strategic importance — and reminding that the U.S. twice attempted to purchase Greenland from Denmark.
—Ryan P. Burke, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
Miguel’s third successful 3-pointer in as many attempts gave them an 18-13 lead, and a pair of free throws by Rice inflated that advantage to 20-14.
—Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 17 Feb. 2025
Jackson missed on his first four attempts but finally completed a pretty basic two-handed flush.
—Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for attempt
Dictionary Entries Near attempt
Cite this Entry
“Attempt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attempt. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
attempt
1 of 2 verb
at·tempt
ə-ˈtem(p)t
1
: to try to do or perform
attempt an escape
2
: to make an effort : try
attempt to solve the problem
attempt
2 of 2 noun1
: the act or an instance of attempting
especially
: an unsuccessful effort
2
: attack entry 2 sense 1
an attempt on the president's life
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