attempted

The word “attempted” means tried but not necessarily completed successfully — often used before crime terms to show the act was tried but failed. In plain terms, describes an action that was tried, especially one that didn't succeed (common in legal terms like "attempted murder").

“Attempted” is pronounced uh-TEHMP-tihd (/əˈtɛmptɪd/ in IPA).

Here is “attempted” used in a sentence: “He was charged with attempted robbery.”

“Attempted” is an adjective.

“Attempted” is a fairly common word in modern English.

In legal language, 'attempted' describes a crime that someone tried to commit but did not complete. Attempted robbery or attempted burglary means the act was set in motion and intended, yet failed or was stopped. Importantly, an attempt is still a criminal offence and can be prosecuted, even without success.

The difference is the outcome. Murder means a person was unlawfully killed. Attempted murder means someone tried to kill another person, with clear intent, but the victim survived. Both are extremely serious charges, but attempted murder recognises that the intended death did not actually occur.

Yes. The law treats a genuine attempt as an offence in its own right, because the person showed intent and took real steps toward committing the crime. Whether it's attempted theft, fraud, or assault, prosecutors can bring charges even though the act was never completed, though penalties may differ.