B2noun 2K

Attempt

🇬🇧 UK /["/əˈtempt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/əˈtempt/"]/

Meaning of Attempt

an act of trying to do something, especially something difficult, often with no success

In simple words: To try to do something.

Attempt in a sentence

• Her attempt to climb the mountain was met with several challenges.
• He made a serious attempt to learn the piano, practicing every day.
• Despite his attempt, he was unable to solve the complex math problem.
• The scientists' attempt to create a vaccine was successful.
• In her latest attempt, she broke her previous record.

How to use Attempt

Use 'attempt' when referring to trying to achieve something, especially when the outcome is uncertain. It's suitable in both spoken and written contexts but may sound a bit formal in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

attempt + object

Memory hint

Think of 'attempt' as 'a temp' — someone who tries a job temporarily.

Related words

Collocations with Attempt

• successful
• abortive
• botched
• make
• succeed in
• abandon
• succeed
• fail
• in an/​the attempt
• attempt at
• attempt by
• an attempt on somebody’s life
• at the first, second, etc. attempt
• in the first, second, etc. attempt
• successful
• abortive
• botched
• make
• succeed in
• abandon
• succeed
• fail
• in an/​the attempt
• attempt at
• attempt by
• an attempt on somebody’s life
• at the first, second, etc. attempt
• in the first, second, etc. attempt

Synonyms for Attempt

• try
• endeavor
• seek
• strive
• test

Opposites of Attempt

• abandon
• give up
• quit

Common mistakes with Attempt

• 'Attempted to' is often confused with 'tried to'.
• Learners sometimes use 'attempt' without an object, which is incorrect.
• Confusion between 'attempt' (to try) and 'achieve' (to succeed).

Frequently asked questions about Attempt

What does Attempt mean?

To try to do something.

What is the definition of Attempt?

an act of trying to do something, especially something difficult, often with no success

How do you use Attempt in a sentence?

Her attempt to climb the mountain was met with several challenges.

Can you give another example of Attempt?

He made a serious attempt to learn the piano, practicing every day.

What are synonyms for Attempt?

Common alternatives include try, endeavor, seek, strive, test.

What is the opposite of Attempt?

Opposite meanings include abandon, give up, quit.

What words go with Attempt?

It commonly pairs with successful, abortive, botched, make, succeed in, abandon, succeed, fail, in an/​the attempt, attempt at, attempt by, an attempt on somebody’s life, at the first, second, etc. attempt, in the first, second, etc. attempt, successful, abortive, botched, make, succeed in, abandon, succeed, fail, in an/​the attempt, attempt at, attempt by, an attempt on somebody’s life, at the first, second, etc. attempt, in the first, second, etc. attempt.

What are common mistakes when using Attempt?

'Attempted to' is often confused with 'tried to'. Learners sometimes use 'attempt' without an object, which is incorrect. Confusion between 'attempt' (to try) and 'achieve' (to succeed).

How do you pronounce Attempt?

US: /["/əˈtempt/"]/, UK: /["/əˈtempt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Attempt?

Use 'attempt' when referring to trying to achieve something, especially when the outcome is uncertain. It's suitable in both spoken and written contexts but may sound a bit formal in casual conversation.

What CEFR level is Attempt?

"Attempt" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.