TRYING

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does trying mean? 

• TRYING (adjective)
  The adjective TRYING has 2 senses:

1. hard to endure

2. extremely irritating to the nerves

  Familiarity information: TRYING used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• TRYING (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Hard to endure

Context example:

fell upon trying times

Similar:

difficult; hard (not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Extremely irritating to the nerves

Synonyms:

nerve-racking; nerve-wracking; stressful; trying

Context example:

a trying day at the office

Similar:

disagreeable (not to your liking)

 Context examples 

“I am trying to make it out.”

(Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen)

"He's trying to get somewhere, to do something."

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

He has a curious habit of looking one straight in the face, as if trying to read one's thoughts.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

“The truth is, Dora, my life,” I said; “I have been trying to be wise.”

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

A few countries are trying to gather data.

(Snakebite resolution set for Health Assembly approval, SciDev.Net)

One thing we are still trying to figure out is how big that effect actually is.

(Estimating how pollen particles in the atmosphere influence climate, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

It was like trying to study evolution without fossils.

(Oldest genetic evidence of Hepatitis B virus found in ancient DNA from 4,500 year-old skeletons, University of Cambridge)

Scientists have been trying to use stem cells to repair damaged hearts for a number of years.

(New stem cell combination could help to repair damaged hearts, University of Cambridge)

After a moment's pause, Sir Thomas, trying to suppress a smile, went on.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

They are also used to help relieve symptoms that occur when a person is trying to quit smoking.

(Inhaler, NCI Dictionary)