trying

1 of 2

adjective

try·​ing ˈtrī-iŋ 

: severely straining the powers of endurance

a trying experience

tryingly adverb

trying

2 of 2

present participle of try entry 1

Synonyms

Adjective

• bitter
• brutal
• burdensome
• cruel
• excruciating
• grievous
• grim
• hard
• hardhanded
• harsh
• heavy
• inhuman
• murderous
• onerous
• oppressive
• rough
• rugged
• searing
• severe
• stiff
• tough

Examples of trying in a Sentence

Adjective

They have been through some trying times together.

He can be very trying at times.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Directed by Justin Baldoni, the film offers a powerful and sobering narrative about how romance colors our vision even in the most trying and terrifying of moments. —Travis Bean, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

Sean Ono Lennon on Growing Up with 'Good Witch' Yoko Ono — and 'Rebelling' Against Her 'Cosmic, Woo-Woo Stuff' (Exclusive) The press conference was a moment of levity in the midst of a very trying time for the couple. —Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 28 Nov. 2024

The Yankees never had the lead at any point in any game of the Series. Dodgers Dodgers overcome ‘most trying year’ to defeat Mets and reach the World Series Oct. 21, 2024 Memorable moment: Sandy Koufax strikes out a then-World Series record 15 Yankees in Game 1. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2024

It’s also been a trying few weeks for the Southeastern United States. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1718, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing trying

• it is not for lack/want of trying
• what are you trying to prove

Kids Definition

trying

adjective

try·​ing

ˈtrī-iŋ

: hard to bear or put up with

these are trying times