attempt

noun

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

2

: attack, assault

an attempt on the life of the president

Synonyms of attempt

• try
• stab

Examples of attempt in a Sentence

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

Serna, however, would make one more attempt to get past Hulst. —Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026

In attempt to reduce the risk of damage to communities and ecosystems, the state has employed a wide range of tactics. —Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026

On the sixth attempt, Schwarze narrowly passed the 60% threshold required for endorsement. —Jay Gabler, Twin Cities, 30 May 2026

His first attempt, a dystopian fantasy, had flopped. —Nathan Heller, Vogue, 29 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

First Known Use

circa 1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing attempt

• an attempt on someone's life
• attempt suicide
• make an attempt
• make an attempt on (someone's) life
• make no attempt

Rhymes for attempt

• contempt
• exempt
• preempt
• unkempt
• empt
• tempt
• nonexempt

Kids 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 noun

1

: the act or an instance of attempting

especially : an unsuccessful effort

2

: attack entry 2 sense 1

an attempt on the president's life

Legal Definition

attempt

noun

at·​tempt

: the crime of having the intent to commit and taking action in an effort to commit a crime that fails or is prevented

called also criminal attempt

see also impossibility

Note: There must generally be more than preparation to be guilty of attempt.