Attempt Definition & Meaning

attempt
noun
  1. earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something; "made an effort to cover all the reading material"; "wished him luck in his endeavor"; "she gave it a good try"
  2. the act of attacking; "attacks on women increased last year"; "they made an attempt on his life"
verb
  1. make an effort or attempt; "He tried to shake off his fears"; "The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps"; "The police attempted to stop the thief"; "He sought to improve himself"; "She always seeks to do good in the world"
  2. enter upon an activity or enterprise

"Attempt" in song lyrics

See how attempt is used in real songs:

  • "For genre I'm told when has-beens attempt"
    Aesop Rock f/ Illogic — One Brick
  • "Got popped for a murder attempt"
    Akon f/ Styles P — Locked Up (Remix)
  • "The very high civillian casualty toll from the assasination attempt"
    Braintax — The Beast Is Us

Usage tips for "attempt"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "attempt" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for attempt to find words that pair well.

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