Definition of Trying

The word trying is commonly used as an adjective and a verb. As an adjective, it describes something difficult, challenging, or frustrating. As a verb (present participle of “try”), it refers to making an attempt or effort to accomplish something.

Adjective Meaning:

  • Causing strain, hardship, or distress.
  • Demanding patience or endurance.

Verb Meaning:

  • The act of making an effort or attempt to achieve something.
  • Testing or experimenting with an action to determine its effectiveness.

Synonyms for Trying

Strongest Matches (Exact or Nearly Identical in Meaning)

  1. Adjective Synonyms:
    • Challenging
    • Difficult
    • Taxing
    • Grueling
    • Arduous
    • Demanding
    • Strenuous
    • Exhausting
    • Frustrating
    • Irritating
  2. Verb Synonyms:
    • Attempting
    • Endeavoring
    • Striving
    • Testing
    • Experimenting
    • Exerting
    • Pursuing
    • Struggling
    • Practicing

Strong Matches (Close in Meaning, with Slight Variations)

  1. Adjective Synonyms:
    • Tough
    • Tedious
    • Wearisome
    • Annoying
    • Burdensome
    • Stressful
    • Grueling
  2. Verb Synonyms:
    • Venturing
    • Investigating
    • Assessing
    • Probing
    • Exploring
    • Executing
    • Performing

Weak Matches (Related but Not Direct Substitutes)

  1. Adjective Synonyms:
    • Displeasing
    • Distressing
    • Harrowing
    • Troublesome
    • Exasperating
  2. Verb Synonyms:
    • Practicing
    • Demonstrating
    • Evaluating
    • Learning
    • Attempting casually

Example Sentences for Contextual Understanding

As an Adjective:

  • The trying circumstances of the job made it hard to stay motivated.
  • It was a trying experience to wait for the final exam results.
  • Raising twins can be a trying task for new parents.

As a Verb:

  • She is trying to finish her novel before the deadline.
  • We are trying different marketing strategies to boost sales.
  • He kept trying despite multiple failures.

Contextual Usage of Trying

  1. Personal Growth & Effort: “Trying” often appears in self-improvement contexts, emphasizing perseverance and effort (e.g., “Keep trying, and you will succeed.”)
  2. Difficult Situations: Used to describe patience-testing experiences (e.g., “It was a trying time after the accident.”)
  3. Experimentation & Testing: Applied in scientific or technological settings (e.g., “The engineers are trying new methods to improve efficiency.”)
  4. Everyday Speech: Commonly used to encourage persistence (e.g., “Just keep trying, and you will get better.”)

Related Words

  • Attempt – An effort to achieve something.
  • Effort – The amount of energy used to accomplish a task.
  • Endurance – The ability to withstand difficulty.
  • Persistence – Continuing an action despite challenges.
  • Experiment – A test to explore new ideas.
  • Patience – The ability to tolerate delays or hardships.
  • Struggle – A continuous effort against obstacles.
  • Fatiguing – Causing weariness or exhaustion.

Final Thoughts

The word trying carries multiple nuances, depending on its use as an adjective or verb. Whether describing challenging situations or efforts towards achieving goals, it remains a versatile term in the English language. Understanding its synonyms, related words, and contextual usage helps in effective communication.


Disclaimer

The synonyms and contextual meanings provided in this article are for educational and informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, language usage may vary based on region, dialect, and evolving linguistic trends. Always consider the context in which a word is used before applying it in formal or informal communication.