attempted

Everyday

1. Attempted means tried to do something, especially something difficult. tree →
2. (adjective) Attempted describes a crime or act that was tried but not completed: «attempted theft». tree →

In the lessons

In maths problems «attempted» tells how many tries were made: «she attempted 20 shots and scored 15» means 5 missed. In school: «attempted all the questions». In news and law: «attempted robbery». Formal; everyday word: «tried».

Examples

• She attempted the high jump three times. tree →
• He attempted all the questions in the test. tree →
• They attempted to climb the mountain but turned back. tree →
• The police arrested a man for attempted theft. tree →
• Tom attempted 12 sums and got 10 right, so 2 were wrong. tree →
• The cat attempted to catch the bird. tree →
• One even attempted to tie strings to his feet and his hands to make him dance. tree →

Note

Past of «attempt». In maths: attempted = successful + unsuccessful tries. «Attempted» does not tell whether it worked; check the rest of the sentence.