Real Dictionary

attempt
If you make an attempt to do something, you try to do it, often without success.
countable noun: An attempt on someone's life is an attempt to kill them.
countable noun: In British English, if a sportsman or sportswoman makes an attempt on a sporting record, they try to beat it. In American English you say that they make an attempt to break it.
verb: If you attempt to do something, especially something difficult, you try to do it.

attempt in American English
a try
to make an effort to do, get, have, etc.; try; endeavor
noun: an effort made to accomplish something
transitive verb: to make an effort at; try; undertake; seek

attempt in British English
to make an effort (to do something) or to achieve (something); try
noun: an endeavour to achieve something; effort