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attempted

adjective

at·​tempt·​ed ə-ˈtem(p)-təd How to pronounce attempted (audio)
: having been tried without success
an attempted suicide
an attempted takeover
especially, law : characterized by an intent to commit and effort taken to commit a specified crime that fails or is prevented
an attempted robbery
was charged with attempted murder

Examples of attempted in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The cancellation of an LGBTQ health care conference, a pro-Israel speaker and a Palestinian artist's exhibition, as well as an attempted shouting down of conservative speakers all influenced IU's ranking by FIRE, as well. Cate Charron, IndyStar, 17 Nov. 2025 At this time, Conduent has no evidence of any attempted or actual misuse of any information potentially affected by this incident. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Nov. 2025 The movie will cover both Christy’s initial success and her attempted murder. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2025 The attempted on-side kick failed. Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for attempted

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1513, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of attempted was circa 1513

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Cite this Entry

“Attempted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attempted. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.

Legal Definition

attempted

adjective
at·​tempt·​ed
: characterized by an intent to commit and effort taken to commit a specified crime that fails or is prevented
attempted forgery

More from Merriam-Webster on attempted

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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