Word
trying
Phoneticstry·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɹaɪɪŋ/
UK/tɹˈaɪɪŋ/
Definitions
01making an effort
A1 · Beginner
v. making an effort to do something, even if it is difficult.
v. the present participle of 'try', indicating an ongoing effort to achieve a goal or perform an action.
“I am trying to fix my computer, but I cannot find the problem.”
“The research team is currently trying to isolate the specific protein responsible for the allergic reaction in patients.”
Pitfall
I am trying for to learn English.
I am trying to learn English.
When 'try' is followed by another verb, use the infinitive with 'to', not 'for to'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02difficult to endure
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. describing a situation or person that is very difficult, annoying, or hard to deal with.
adj. difficult to endure; taxing to one's patience, nerves, or physical stamina.
“It has been a very trying day at the office with so many complaints.”
“The long delays and lack of communication from the airline made for a very trying experience for the stranded passengers.”
03the act of attempting
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the act of making an effort or an attempt at something.
n. the gerundial act of making an attempt or effort; often used in the context of testing or experimentation.
“Trying new things is the best way to learn what you enjoy.”
“The constant trying of different chemical combinations eventually led the scientists to a breakthrough in battery efficiency.”
Etymology
From try + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 3
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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