1. Success
Meaning and Usage
“Success” refers to the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. It is the positive outcome of efforts, often achieved through skill, determination, and favorable circumstances.
When we talk about an “attempt,” it is the act of trying to do something, regardless of the outcome. An attempt can lead to success, but it doesn't guarantee it. For example, a student might attempt a difficult math problem. If they manage to solve it correctly, they achieve success. Here, the attempt was the process of working on the problem, and success was the end - result of finding the correct solution.
In a business context, a company might attempt to launch a new product. If the product gains a significant market share, generates substantial revenue, and receives positive feedback from customers, the launch is considered a success. The attempt was the series of activities involved in preparing and releasing the product, while success was the achievement of the desired business goals related to the product launch.
Contrast with “Attempt”
The key difference between “success” and “attempt” lies in the nature of the concept. An “attempt” is focused on the effort or action of trying to achieve something. It is about the process of engaging with a task or goal, regardless of whether the goal is ultimately reached.
On the other hand, “success” is centered around the outcome. It is the realization of the aim or purpose, the positive result of the efforts put into the attempt. While an attempt can be made without any guarantee of success, success is the fulfillment that comes after a successful attempt. In essence, an attempt is the means, and success is the desired end - state.
2. Avoidance
Meaning and Usage
“Avoidance” is the act of keeping away from or preventing something from happening. It involves making a conscious decision to stay clear of a particular situation, person, object, or activity.
In contrast to an “attempt,” which is about trying to engage with or achieve something, avoidance is about actively disengaging or preventing an interaction. For example, a person might attempt to learn a new language by enrolling in a course, studying grammar, and practicing speaking. However, if they have a fear of public speaking and are aware that their language course will involve giving presentations, they might choose avoidance. They could drop the language course, or they might try to find ways to avoid the presentation part of the course, such as asking the instructor for an alternative assignment.
In a social context, someone might attempt to build a friendship with a new colleague at work. They might start conversations, invite the colleague to lunch, and show interest in their hobbies. However, if the new colleague has a reputation for being difficult or argumentative, some people might choose avoidance. They might avoid interacting with the colleague as much as possible, not respond to their invitations, and generally keep their distance in the workplace.
Contrast with “Attempt”
The fundamental contrast between “avoidance” and “attempt” lies in the direction of action. An “attempt” is a proactive step towards a goal. It involves taking risks, putting in effort, and engaging with a task or situation in the hope of achieving a desired outcome.
On the contrary, “avoidance” is a reactive or preventive measure. It is about steering clear of a situation, person, or activity that is perceived as potentially harmful, difficult, or unpleasant. While an attempt shows a willingness to face challenges and work towards a goal, avoidance reflects a desire to escape or prevent such challenges from occurring in the first place.
3. Abandonment
Meaning and Usage
“Abandonment” refers to the act of giving up or leaving something, often without the intention of returning or resuming. It implies a complete cessation of efforts related to a particular task, goal, relationship, or activity.
This is in stark contrast to an “attempt,” where there is at least an initial effort to engage with or achieve something. For example, a group of adventurers might attempt to climb a difficult mountain. They plan their route, gather the necessary equipment, and start the ascent. However, if they encounter extremely bad weather, such as a blizzard, that makes the climb too dangerous, they might choose abandonment. They would turn back, leave the mountain, and give up on their attempt to reach the summit. In this case, the attempt was the initial effort to climb the mountain, while abandonment was the decision to completely stop and leave the situation.
In a business scenario, a company might attempt to develop a new software product. They invest in research and development, hire a team of software engineers, and start the coding process. However, if they face significant technical difficulties, such as compatibility issues with existing systems or unforeseen bugs that are extremely difficult to fix, and they realize that the project is becoming too costly and time - consuming without a clear path to success, they might choose abandonment. They would halt the development of the software, lay off the development team, and write off the investment they had made in the project. Here, the attempt was the effort to develop the software, and abandonment was the decision to completely give up on the project.
Contrast with “Attempt”
The main difference between “abandonment” and “attempt” is the stage and outcome of the effort. An “attempt” represents the start of an effort, the willingness to try and engage with a task or goal. It is a positive step forward, even if the outcome is uncertain at that point.
“Abandonment,” on the other hand, is the end - point of an effort, where the decision is made to stop trying and give up on the task or goal. It is a negative outcome in the sense that it represents the failure to continue with the attempt and reach the desired goal. While an attempt shows initiative and the hope of achieving something, abandonment reflects the loss of that hope and the decision to discontinue the effort.