Attempt — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
Meaning & Definition of Attempt
Attempt (verb)
- to make an effort to do, accomplish, solve, or effect
- tempt
- to try to subdue or take by force, attack
Attempt (noun)
- the act or an instance of trying to do or accomplish something, an act or instance of attempting something; often, an unsuccessful effort
- something resulting from or representing an attempt
- attack, assault
Attempt (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
an effort to do or accomplish something
"it took several attempts before we made good ice cream with an old-fashioned hand-cranked ice cream freezer"
-
the act or action of setting upon with force or violence
"several attempts on the life of the country's chief drug enforcement official"
Attempt (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms
-
to make an effort to do
"after attempting—and failing—to start the lawn mower on my own, I finally succeeded with a neighbor's help"
"don't even attempt walking on your broken foot"
Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Attempt
The most common words with a similar meaning to Attempt:
Near Antonyms of Attempt
Word Forms of Attempt
Inflections: attempted, attempting, attempts
Derived words: attemptable (adjective)
Origin & Etymology of Attempt
Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French attempter, from Latin attemptare, from ad- + temptare to touch, try tempt
First known use: 14th century
Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Attempt
- CEFR level: B1 English Vocabulary — Page 1
- Topics: Common Actions / Verbs
Words & Phrases Containing Attempt
Frequently Asked Questions about Attempt
What does "Attempt" mean?
"Attempt" means to make an effort to do, accomplish, solve, or effect. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to make an effort to do, accomplish, solve, or effect. It has 3 distinct senses.
What is another word for "Attempt"?
Other words for "Attempt" include assay, bash, bid, crack, endeavor, essay, fling and go. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Attempt" you intend.
What are different ways to say "Attempt"?
There are 82 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Attempt". Common alternatives include assay, bash, bid, crack, endeavor, essay, fling, go, offer and pass.
How do you use "Attempt" in a sentence?
Examples of "Attempt" in a sentence: "it took several attempts before we made good ice cream with an old-fashioned hand-cranked ice cream freezer"; "several attempts on the life of the country's chief drug enforcement official"; "after attempting—and failing—to start the lawn mower on my own, I finally succeeded with a neighbor's help".
Is "Attempt" a noun, verb, or adjective?
"Attempt" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.
Is "Attempt" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?
As a B1-level word, "Attempt" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.
How do you pronounce "Attempt"?
"Attempt" is pronounced /ə-ˈtem(p)t/ and divided into syllables as at·tempt.
What is the origin of the word "Attempt"?
"Attempt" comes from Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French attempter, from Latin attemptare, from ad- + temptare to touch, try tempt. First known use: 14th century.