How to Pronounce Attempt

To pronounce "attempt", say ATT-empt — 2 syllables, IPA /əˈtɛmpt/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

attempt

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

7

Letters

/əˈtɛmpt/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “attempt”

"attempt" has 2 syllables: att-empt. It rhymes with contempt and exempt, if that helps it stick.

What does attempt mean?

noun

  1. The action of trying at something.

    “It was worth the attempt.”

  2. An assault or attack, especially an assassination attempt.

    “1584 No man can charge us of any attempt against the realm. (Allen's Defence Of English Catholics, cited after Edinburgh review 1883, p. 378)”

verb

  1. To try.

    “A group of 80 budding mountaineers attempted Kilimanjaro, but 30 of them didn't make it to the top.”

  2. To try to move, by entreaty, by afflictions, or by temptations; to tempt.

Synonyms

efforttrytake a run attake a stab at

Hear “attempt” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with attempt

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

contemptexempttemptpreemptunkemptkemptemptnempt

Related words

tryassayendeavourendeavorseekundertakeeffortattack

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "attempt"?▾

"Attempt" has 2 syllables: att · empt.

What is the IPA transcription of "attempt"?▾

The IPA transcription of "attempt" is /əˈtɛmpt/.

What does "attempt" mean?▾

Attempt: The action of trying at something.

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