attempt unsuccessfully

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt unsuccessfully" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an effort made to achieve something that ultimately did not succeed. Example: "Despite their best efforts, they made an attempt unsuccessfully to resolve the issue before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Her voice was sweet and high, even if most of La Sera's songs attempt (unsuccessfully) to hide it with distortion.

The New York Times - Arts

The author gives them a polite glance, works up a bit of interest when CBS executives attempt unsuccessfully to woo Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski from ­MSNBC's "Morning Joe," and then leaves the network ­behind).

The New York Times - Books

After the revolution of 1978 to 1979, the Qashqa'i khans, once powerful enemies of the Pahlavi regime, were the only major tribal chiefs to attempt (unsuccessfully) to regain their position.

Pastoralism

As he stood on the podium for a final time, anthem sounding up once again, he would bite his lip and attempt, unsuccessfully, to keep the tears at bay.

BBC

Trump's attorneys attempt unsuccessfully to stop prosecutors from reviewing Cohen's files.

Vice

His main reason for going back to the UK was to attempt, unsuccessfully, to produce a drama series about the Bloomsbury Group for the new Channel 4 network.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Both attempted – unsuccessfully - to impugn its accuracy.

The Guardian - Opinion

He attempted, unsuccessfully, to drive home.

The Guardian

He attempted, unsuccessfully, to keep her out of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The New Yorker

In winter 57 56 Cicero attempted unsuccessfully to estrange Pompey from Caesar.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Wanda visits her husband, attempting unsuccessfully to shoot him.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempt unsuccessfully", ensure the context clearly indicates the goal that was not achieved. This provides clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid phrases like "try to attempt unsuccessfully" as they are unnecessarily redundant. Use either "try unsuccessfully" or "attempt unsuccessfully" for conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt unsuccessfully" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying how the action of attempting was carried out. It indicates that an effort was made, but it did not achieve the desired outcome. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a valid construction.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt unsuccessfully" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a failed endeavor. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial modifier, clearly conveying that an effort did not yield the desired result. While not exceedingly common, it is frequently used in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts. When using "attempt unsuccessfully", avoid redundancy and ensure the context clarifies the goal that was not reached. Alternatives like "try and fail" or "make a failed attempt" can offer variety depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try and fail

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary to convey the same outcome of a failed attempt.

make a failed attempt

This alternative rephrases the query using a noun phrase instead of an adverb.

fall short in an attempt

This alternative emphasizes the lack of success by highlighting the deficiency.

be unsuccessful in one's efforts

This phrase is a more formal and elaborate way of expressing the same meaning.

meet with failure in an attempt

This alternative uses more figurative language to depict the unsuccessful outcome.

prove unable to succeed

This version focuses on the inability to achieve the desired result.

not manage to achieve

This option directly states the failure to reach a goal.

come to nothing

This is an idiomatic expression suggesting that the attempt yielded no positive results.

fail to accomplish

This is a more straightforward way of saying that something was not achieved.

labor in vain

This alternative suggests that a lot of effort was put into something that ultimately didn't succeed.

FAQs

How can I use "attempt unsuccessfully" in a sentence?

Use "attempt unsuccessfully" to describe an action someone tried to do but failed. For example, "The company "attempted unsuccessfully" to launch the new product this year."

What are some alternatives to "attempt unsuccessfully"?

Some alternatives include "try and fail", "make a failed attempt", or "fail to accomplish". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "attempt unsuccessfully"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The verb "attempt" is modified by the adverb "unsuccessfully" to indicate a failed effort.

What's the difference between "attempt unsuccessfully" and "try unsuccessfully"?

While similar, "attempt" often implies a more formal or deliberate effort than "try". Therefore, "attempt unsuccessfully" might be more appropriate in formal or serious contexts.