attempt

A final effort or attempt to solve a problem or avoid failure or defeat, especially after a series of failures or setbacks. The home team is mounting one last-ditch attempt in the final seconds of the game to try to force an overtime showdown. In a last-ditch attempt to avoid a government shutdown, congress has pushed forward a new spending bill.

To try to do something in a disinterested and unenthusiastic manner. You're definitely not going to get an A on this project if you only make a halfhearted attempt at a visual aid. Come on, this poster board isn't eye-catching at all. I knew Heather didn't actually want to meet up with Ed, so when she told me she couldn't find him, I got the feeling she'd only made a halfhearted attempt.

To make a final effort or attempt to solve a problem or avoid failure or defeat, especially after a series of failures or setbacks. The home team is making a last-ditch attempt in the final seconds of the game with a long pass from midfield. Congress has made a last-ditch attempt to avoid a government shutdown with their newest spending bill.