attempted

adjective

at·tempt·ed | \ ə-ˈtem(p)-təd

Definition of attempted

: 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

The Pakistani government said the assault was an attempted strike against its close alliance with China. — Eva Dou, WSJ, "Militants Attack Chinese Consulate in Pakistan," 23 Nov. 2018 Trainer shot Sterling during an attempted traffic stop. — Peter Hermann, Washington Post, "D.C. officer who fatally shot motorcyclist appeals termination," 8 June 2018 He was arrested Sunday after meeting an undercover agent and charged with attempted support of a terrorist organization. — John Seewer, BostonGlobe.com, "Man allegedly scouted location for July 4 attack in Cleveland," 3 July 2018 When the crash occurred, Pringle was investigating a report of an attempted car break-in near Lady Lake, according to the Lake County sheriff’s office, which provided today’s update. — Stephen Hudak, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Lake deputy hit by car may be released from hospital today: report," 7 July 2018 The officers begin to approach her during the attempted arrest and Weinman appears to reach out and push the officer before the camera cuts out. — CBS News, "Police release bodycam video showing officer punching woman on New Jersey beach," 31 May 2018 The attempted sale was for $150, a pretty good bargain closely kept military tech. — Brian Barrett, WIRED, "Security Roundup: Ukraine Blocked a Russian Hack of Its Critical Infrastructure," 14 July 2018 The victim was able to back up his car during the attempted assault, but hit a pole and damaged his vehicle. — Alexandra Deabler, Fox News, "Man arrested at McDonald's for threatening customers with stun gun, yelling 'get out of my country'," 23 May 2018 Police said John Rogers, 28, intentionally drove his car into two police cruisers during an attempted police stop Friday night. — Ruth Bruno, courant.com, "State Police Arrest Two After Chasing Stolen Car," 6 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'attempted.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.