Attempt Meaning

UK /əˈtɛmpt/
US /əˈtɛmpt/
Word Definition
attempt meaning

Attempt Definition & Usage

verb

To try to do something, often with the implication that it may be difficult or uncertain whether the action will succeed.

Examples

  • "She attempted to climb the mountain but had to turn back halfway."
  • "He attempted to solve the puzzle in under an hour."
  • "The company is attempting to expand into new markets this year."
  • "John attempted to explain his reasoning but was interrupted by his colleague."
  • "I attempted to reach her by phone, but there was no answer."
noun

An effort or trial to achieve something, especially when it is uncertain whether it will succeed.

Examples

  • "His attempt to start a new business was met with some challenges."
  • "The artist’s first attempt at painting was not successful, but she kept trying."
  • "She made several attempts to convince him, but he remained firm in his decision."
  • "Despite her attempt to run the marathon, she was forced to stop due to injury."
  • "His attempt at diplomacy failed when both parties refused to negotiate."

Cultural Context

The word 'attempt' originates from Latin and entered Middle English in the 14th century. It has evolved over time to carry both the sense of effort or trial and the possibility of failure. In modern contexts, it is used widely in both casual and formal speech to describe any effort to achieve a goal, particularly one that may or may not succeed.

The Final Attempt

Story

The Final Attempt

In the bustling city of Eldon, there was a young woman named Claire who had always dreamed of opening her own bakery. She had tried and failed several times before, each time thinking that maybe her dream was too big for her. But today, after months of preparation, she was ready for her final attempt. Claire stood in front of the old, unused storefront that she had rented with the last of her savings. The sign outside read 'Claire's Bakery – Opening Soon!' but her heart raced with uncertainty. This was no longer just a dream—it was an attempt to make something real. Her hands trembled as she unlocked the door and stepped inside. The kitchen smelled of fresh bread, a scent she had long associated with her childhood. She remembered watching her grandmother knead dough, always saying, 'Success isn't in the dough itself, but in the attempt to make it perfect.' Now, with her grandmother’s words echoing in her mind, Claire was determined to prove that she could succeed. As she began to prepare for her first day of business, a knock at the door startled her. It was Mia, her childhood friend. 'So, this is it, huh? Your final attempt?' Mia asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice. 'Yes, but it’s not just about making a perfect loaf of bread,' Claire replied with a smile. 'It’s about making the attempt worthwhile, no matter the outcome.' Later that day, Claire’s bakery opened its doors to the public for the first time. The first few hours were slow, but then a customer walked in—a little girl, eager to try the chocolate croissants Claire had spent weeks perfecting. As the days passed, Claire made countless attempts to improve the business, from marketing strategies to new recipes. Some attempts were more successful than others, but each one brought her closer to her goal. 'Every attempt teaches me something new,' Claire thought. 'And that's what makes it worth it.' Her bakery flourished, and Claire became a symbol of perseverance in Eldon. She knew that success wasn't just about the end result, but about every attempt made along the way. Each step was part of the larger journey. The community began to support Claire, seeing in her not just a business owner but a person who never gave up, who always tried, no matter how difficult the task. Claire had learned that an attempt wasn't just about the action—it was about the spirit of not giving up.

The Final Attempt