attempt

[ uh-tempt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make an effort at; try; undertake; seek:

   to attempt an impossible task; to attempt to walk six miles.

2. Archaic. to attack; move against in a hostile manner:

   to attempt a person's life.

3. Archaic. to tempt.

noun

1. an effort made to accomplish something:

   He made an attempt to swim across the lake.

   Synonyms: endeavor, try

2. an attack or assault:

   an attempt upon the leader's life.

attempt

/ əˈtɛmpt /

verb

1. to make an effort (to do something) or to achieve (something); try
2. to try to surmount (an obstacle)
3. to try to climb

   they will attempt the north wall of the Eiger

4. archaic.
   to attack
5. archaic.
   to tempt

noun

1. an endeavour to achieve something; effort
2. a result of an attempt or endeavour
3. an attack, esp with the intention to kill

   an attempt on his life

Usage

Attempt should not be used in the passive when followed by an infinitive: attempts were made to find a solution (not a solution was attempted to be found )

Derived Forms

• atˈtempter, noun
• atˈtemptable, adjective

Other Words From

• at·tempta·bili·ty noun
• at·tempta·ble adjective
• at·tempter noun
• quasi-at·tempt verb
• reat·tempt verb (used with object)
• unat·tempta·ble adjective
• unat·tempted adjective
• unat·tempting adjective
• well-at·tempted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of attempt¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English from Anglo-French atempter from Latin attemptāre “to test, tamper with.” See at-, tempt

Word History and Origins

Origin of attempt¹

C14: from Old French attempter, from Latin attemptāre to strive after, from tentāre to try

Synonym Study

See try.

Example Sentences

While the Southern Poverty Law Center publicly branded the takeover attempt as racist, news broke that a wealthy California investor, David Gelbaum, had pledged $100 million on the condition that the club never stand against immigration.

From Salon

The pair were playing together at the time of a second failed assassination attempt in September.

From BBC

It will attempt to convince you that it is your only option.

From Los Angeles Times

They both point to the film’s opening moments, in which prospective moles attempt to demonstrate their proficiency with technology — taking photos with a cellphone, accessing the internet with WiFi — as an example of the spirit they are trying to lean into.

From Los Angeles Times

In an attempt to make sense of Trump’s victory, our collective emotions in this time of trouble and dread, what this election reveals about American values and character, and what comes next when Trump takes power in January, I recently spoke with a range of experts.

From Salon

Related Words

• pursue
• seek
• solicit
• tackle
• undertake