attempt

/əˈtɛmpt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: attempts · attempting · attempted

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To try.

Verb

Examples

to attempt an escape from prison

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

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

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Ra cố gắng đáng kể nhưng không thành công

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Verb

Examples

Whoever takes a direct and immediate step towards the realisation of the offence as envisaged by them attempts to commit an offence.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

The action of trying at something.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Hành động thử tại một điều gì đó

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

We made an attempt to cross the stream, but didn’t manage.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

An assault or attack, especially an assassination attempt.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Đòn tấn công hoặc tấn công, đặc biệt là mưu sát

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Noun

Examples

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

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “attempt” mean?

To try.

Is “attempt” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.