Words / B1

uh-TEMPT/əˈtempt/

An attempt is a try, especially when the task is difficult: make an attempt; an attempt to climb; at the first attempt. Try is the everyday verb; attempt as a verb is a little more formal: they attempted to restart the system. An unsuccessful attempt still counts as an attempt. Attempted is common in news: an attempted robbery.

Meaning

An act of trying to do something, especially something difficult.

Examples

• “Her first attempt at the exam was unsuccessful.”
• “She passed the test at the second attempt.”
• “Do not give up after one failed attempt.”

Good to know

make an attempt. an attempt to + verb. Verb: attempt to. Everyday: try.

Near in meaning

try

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