Attempt

/əˈtɛmpt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An effort made to achieve or complete something.

Despite his first attempt, he knew he could do better next time.

A trial or effort to do something.

Her attempt at baking a cake was a complete success.

An illegal or unauthorized effort to achieve something, often associated with a crime.

The police reported an attempt to break into the bank last night.

verb

To make an effort to accomplish something; to try.

She will attempt to climb the mountain next summer.

To make an effort to achieve or complete a task.

He attempted to fix the car by himself.

To test one's skill or ability in a particular activity.

They attempted to break the world record in the marathon.

Middle English: from Old French 'attempter', based on 'a-' + 'templet', meaning 'to put to the test'.

attempt at

An effort made to achieve something.

attempt something

To try to do something.

first attempt

The initial try at something.

effort

A vigorous or determined attempt.

trial

A test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something.

Give it a shot

I'm not sure if I'll succeed, but I'll give it a shot.

Take a stab at it

I think I can take a stab at that question.