The meaning of attempt is to make an effort to do, accomplish, solve, or effect. 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.
When you attempt something, you are making some kind of. To make an effort at; To attempt is to make an effort.
Attempt, try, endeavor, and strive mean to make an effort to do or accomplish something.