attempt
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,078 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 16,988 times across 175,160 chapters — 0.008% of every word in the library.
What it means
noun
- earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something also: effort, endeavor, endeavour, try made an effort to cover all the reading materialwished him luck in his endeavor
- the act of attacking also: attack attacks on women increased last yearthey made an attempt on his life
verb
- make an effort or attempt also: try, seek, essay, assay He tried to shake off his fearsThe infant had essayed a few wobbly steps
- enter upon an activity or enterprise also: undertake, set about
attempt in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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Father says he made the attempt long ago, but was beaten.
The Crown of Life · George Gissing · Chapter 1
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Must no Dislike alarm, no Wishes rise, No Cries attempt the Mercies of the Skies?
The Vanity of Human Wishes (1749) and Two · Samuel Johnson · Chapter 1
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A lunatic observation makes it wax plain that it will not be in wane to attempt it.
Punchinello, Volume 1, No. 08, May 21, 1870 · Various · Chapter 1
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Unhappy!--he, a man, who has liberty and strength, who may undertake every thing, attempt any thing, dare any thing.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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Azariah did not know, and the tree did not inspire a climb: it seemed to forbid any attempt on its privacy.
The Brook Kerith: A Syrian story · George Moore · Chapter 1