# trying

/ˈtɹaɪɪŋ/ (US) · /tɹˈaɪɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/trying
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. difficult to endure

adjective · CEFR B2

very difficult, stressful, or annoying to deal with.

For teachers: taxing to one's patience, nerves, or physical endurance; describes circumstances that are arduous or irritating.

- It has been a very trying day at the office with all the technical problems.
- The long delays and lack of communication made the journey a trying experience for even the most seasoned travellers.

Teaching tip: Learners often confuse this with 'tiring'. While 'tiring' means you lose energy, 'trying' means your patience or strength is being tested.

### 3. an attempt

noun · CEFR B1

the act of attempting or testing something.

For teachers: the act of making an attempt or trial; used as a gerund to describe the process of effort.

- The trying of new recipes is her favourite way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
- Constant trying and failing is often a necessary part of the scientific method before a breakthrough occurs.

## Examples

- I am trying to learn how to cook.
- She is trying a new approach to solve the problem after the first method failed.
- While the philosopher spent years trying to define the nature of truth, he eventually concluded that the pursuit itself was more valuable than any final answer.

---

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.