English Reference
adjective

attempted

adj.
US /əˈtɛmptɪd/ UK /ɐtˈɛmptɪd/ at·tempt·ed

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    describing an action that someone tried to do but failed to complete.

    describing an action or crime that was initiated but not successfully completed; often used in legal or formal contexts.

    Simple

    The police are investigating an attempted robbery at the local bank.

    In context

    The attempted coup was thwarted by loyalist forces before the rebels could seize the national broadcasting headquarters.

Usage attempted murder · attempted to jump

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated