attempt

8 definitions • 17 examples

to try to do something, especially something difficult:

[ + to infinitive ] He attempted to escape through a window.

He attempted a joke, but no one laughed.

There's no point in even attempting an explanation - he'll never listen.

the act of trying to do something, especially something difficult:

[ + to infinitive ] She made a few half-hearted attempts to join in their conversation.

make an attempt The doctors made one last desperate attempt to save the boy's life.

make no attempt He made no attempt to be sociable.

attempt at This is my second attempt at the exam.

None of our attempts at contacting Dr James was successful.

as a way of trying to do something:

They closed the road in an attempt to reduce traffic in the city.

Many painters turned to graphic design in an attempt to earn a living.

an act of trying to kill someone:

This is the third attempt on the President's life.

an act of trying to score a goal in a game of football or move the ball forwards in American football:

Chelsea had several attempts on goal in the first 15 minutes.

Washington is averaging under six yards per passing attempt.

to try to make or do something:

[ T ] The team’s quarterback attempted only 12 passes during the entire game.

[ + to infinitive ] Don’t attempt to do these tricks at home.

the act of trying to make or do something:

[ + to infinitive ] The pilot made several attempts to regain control of the aircraft.

An attempt on someone’s life is an act of trying to kill that person:

a failed attempt on the president’s life