Synonyms for

Attempting

Verb / ʌˈtemptɪŋ / Another word for attempting — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To make an effort to do something.

Synonyms & similar words

try setabout assay seek undertake essay attempt trying seeking undertaking striving aiming endeavoring pursuing pushing aspiring venturing working hoping wishing intending planning plotting scheming designing conspiring orchestrating

Synonyms by register

Formal

endeavoring undertaking striving aspiring

Informal

trying going for it giving it a shot having a go

Literary

essay assaying venturing

Antonyms

succeeding completing achieving accomplishing conquering mastering prevailing

Common collocations

  • attempting to do
  • attempting to solve
  • attempting to reach
  • attempting to climb
  • attempting to escape
  • attempting to understand
  • attempting to make

Word family

noun attempt
verb attempt
adjective attempted

Usage note

While 'attempting' implies trying, it often suggests the outcome is uncertain or difficult. It is generally neutral in register.

Example sentences

  1. She is attempting to bake a cake for her mom's birthday.
  2. He is attempting to learn how to play the guitar.
  3. I am attempting to run a marathon next year.
  4. They are attempting to save enough money for a vacation.
  5. The team is attempting to win the championship game.

Quotes

  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • Believe you can and you're halfway there. - Theodore Roosevelt
  • I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. - Jimmy Dean

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