Definition of "attempt" in English

verb

1. To try.

   • to attempt an escape from prison
   • I attempted to sing, but my throat was too hoarse.
   • A group of 80 budding mountaineers attempted Kilimanjaro, but 30 of them didn’t make it to the top.

2. (obsolete) To try to move, by entreaty, by afflictions, or by temptations; to tempt.

3. (archaic) To try to win, subdue, or overcome.

   • one who attempts the virtue of a woman

4. (archaic) To attack; to make an effort or attack upon; to try to take by force.

   • to attempt the enemy’s camp

5. (criminal law) To make a substantial but unsuccessful effort (to commit a crime).

noun

1. The action of trying at something.

   • We made an attempt to cross the stream, but didn’t manage.
   • This poem is much better than the feeble attempt of mine.
   • It was worth the attempt.
   • No matter how many failed attempts we made, we maintained a positive attitude and tried again and again until we succeeded.

2. An assault or attack, especially an assassination attempt.

   • No man can charge us of any attempt against the realm.

3. (criminal law) A substantial but unsuccessful effort (to commit a crime).

4. An act of trying to commit suicide

   • Her attempt was not successful, and resulted in her being hospitalized.