attempted

Attempted is the past tense and past participle of the verb attempt. It functions as an adjective describing something that has been tried but not completed or successful, as in an attempted burglary or an attempted coup. As a verb, it is used with an object: someone attempted to do something, such as attempting to climb a wall or attempting to telephone a friend.

Etymology traces attempted to Middle English attemption, from Old French atempter, with roots in Latin temptare, meaning to feel, touch, or try. The word has long carried the sense of attempting an action or goal, sometimes implying risk or difficulty in achieving it.

In legal contexts, attempted refers to inchoate offenses—crimes that are not completed but for which liability can still be assigned. Typical elements include intent to commit a specific crime and an act beyond mere preparation that constitutes a substantial step toward commission. Jurisdictions may differ on the exact standard (such as substantial step, dangerous proximity, or unequivocal intent), but the core idea is that the offense reflects deliberate effort toward unlawful ends, even if the crime does not occur. Examples include attempted murder, attempted burglary, and attempted fraud. Penalties are generally less severe than for the completed crime but can be substantial depending on jurisdiction and the stage of the attempt.

In everyday language, attempted emphasizes effort and intention as opposed to outcome; it often signals a plan that did not come to fruition, or a case where success was blocked or incomplete.