Attempts: meaning, definitions and examples

⚽️
Add to dictionary

attempts

 

[ əˈtɛm(p)t ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in sports

Efforts to score points or achieve a goal in a competitive activity, such as a game or match.

Synonyms

effort, endeavor, try.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
attempts

Attempts is used when multiple efforts are made to achieve something, typically implying a trial and error process.

  • He made several attempts to break the record
  • The company's attempts to improve the product have so far been unsuccessful
effort

Effort refers to the amount of physical or mental energy put into an activity, often highlighting hard work and determination.

  • She put a lot of effort into her studies and earned top grades
  • The team's effort in the project was commendable
try

Try is informal and is used when making an effort to do something once or a few times. It can also imply a casual or less serious effort compared to the other terms.

  • Give it a try and see if it works
  • She decided to try cooking a new recipe for dinner
endeavor

Endeavor is used for a serious, determined effort, usually for something significant or challenging.

  • Their scientific endeavor aims to find a cure for the disease
  • He joined the space exploration endeavor with great enthusiasm

Examples of usage

  • The team made several attempts to score a goal in the first half.
  • She missed three free throw attempts in a row.
  • The player's attempt to break the world record was unsuccessful.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To make an effort to achieve or complete something, especially something difficult.

Synonyms

endeavor, strive, try.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
try

A common, everyday word used when someone makes an effort to do something. It is more casual and versatile than 'attempt' and can be used in most situations.

  • I'll try to call you later.
  • She tried her best but didn't succeed.
endeavor

This word conveys a strong effort or serious and determined attempt to achieve something, often with a formal or ambitious connotation.

  • Building the bridge was a significant engineering endeavor.
  • She dedicated her life to the endeavor of improving education.
strive

This word indicates putting in a lot of effort and hard work toward achieving something, often over a longer period, with a focus on persistence and determination.

  • He strives to be the best in his field.
  • They strive for excellence in every project.

Examples of usage

  • She attempted to climb the mountain, but had to turn back due to bad weather.
  • He attempted to fix the broken computer himself.

Translations

Translations of the word "attempts" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tentativas

🇮🇳 प्रयास

🇩🇪 Versuche

🇮🇩 usaha

🇺🇦 спроби

🇵🇱 próby

🇯🇵 試み

🇫🇷 tentatives

🇪🇸 intentos

🇹🇷 denemeler

🇰🇷 시도

🇸🇦 محاولات

🇨🇿 pokusy

🇸🇰 pokusy

🇨🇳 尝试

🇸🇮 poskusi

🇮🇸 tilraunir

🇰🇿 талпыныстар

🇬🇪 ცდები

🇦🇿 cəhdlər

🇲🇽 intentos

Etymology

The word 'attempt' originated from the Old French word 'attempter', which meant 'to try' or 'to test'. It has been used in the English language since the 14th century. The concept of attempting something has always been associated with making an effort to achieve a goal or overcome a challenge.

See also: attempt, reattempt.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,192, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.