What does reattempt mean?
Reattempt means to try something again after an earlier attempt has failed, been interrupted, or been stopped. It is used when the same action, test, application, or task is attempted a second time, or when a further attempt is made after a delay. The word is more formal than the everyday expression “try again” and commonly appears in administrative, educational, technical, and legal contexts. For example, an examination candidate may be permitted to reattempt a test, while an online service may automatically reattempt a failed request. Although “attempt” alone can refer to either a first try or a repeated try, “reattempt” specifically identifies another attempt. The prefix re- makes the meaning explicit and distinguishes the act from the original attempt.
verbTo try an action or task again, especially after an initial attempt has failed or been interrupted.
- To make another attempt to do something after an earlier attempt has failed, been interrupted, or been discontinued.
"If the application is rejected, you can reattempt the submission after correcting the errors."
"Candidates who fail the examination may reattempt it during the next scheduled session."
"The service automatically reattempted the request after the network connection was restored."
Reattempt is retry with a formal tone: it emphasizes the deliberate decision to try again.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does reattempt come from?
Reattempt is a modern English formation combining the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with the verb “attempt.” The base word “attempt” comes through Old French from Latin attemptare, a form related to tendere, meaning “to stretch or aim.” Adding re- to the existing verb produced a word especially associated with formal, repeated effort.
Related word forms
How reattempt is actually used
The word is formal and comparatively uncommon in everyday speech, where “try again” is more usual. It is sometimes written as “re-attempt,” especially where a form with the prefix separated is preferred.
Easily confused with reattempt
An attempt is the act of trying something, while a reattempt is a further try after an earlier attempt has failed or stopped.