# in an attempt to do sth

idiom · CEFR B2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/in-an-attempt-to-do-sth
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

you use this when you explain that someone is doing something because they want to achieve a specific goal.

## Examples

- He ran fast in an attempt to catch the bus.
- The company lowered its prices in an attempt to attract more customers during the slow season.
- In an attempt to resolve the long-standing dispute, the diplomats met for secret negotiations to find common ground.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.