retry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal in general use; technical in computing.
Quick answer
What does “retry” mean?
To try again or make another attempt at something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To try again or make another attempt at something.
In computing, to automatically re-attempt an operation (like a database connection or network request) that initially failed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The word is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. In computing contexts, it is a standard technical term.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Slightly more common in technical domains (software, engineering) globally.
Grammar
How to Use “retry” in a Sentence
[S] retry [O][S] retry [V-ing][S] retry [to-INF] (less common)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “retry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The prosecution decided to retry the defendant on the same charges.
- If the payment fails, the system will automatically retry in five minutes.
- I'll retry logging in after restarting the router.
American English
- The defense moved to have the case retried in a different venue.
- The app will retry the upload when it detects a better network.
- Let's retry the launch sequence from the beginning.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form. Use 'again' (e.g., 'try again').
American English
- No standard adverbial form. Use 'again' (e.g., 'try again').
adjective
British English
- The retry mechanism in the software is very robust.
- After a retry attempt, the process finally succeeded.
American English
- The code includes a retry logic for failed API calls.
- She made a retry run on the ski slope and improved her time.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for proposals, negotiations, or project tasks that need a second attempt.
Academic
Used for repeating experiments or resubmitting work.
Everyday
Used for everyday tasks like recipes, DIY, or games.
Technical
A fundamental concept in computing for error handling and network resilience.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “retry”
- Using 'retry' as a noun without an article (e.g., 'I will do retry' instead of 'I will do a retry' or 'I will retry').
- Misspelling as 're-try' with a hyphen (standard spelling is solid: 'retry').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one solid word: 'retry'. The hyphenated form 're-try' is rare and non-standard.
Yes, though less common than the verb. As a noun, it needs an article or determiner (e.g., 'Give it a retry', 'The second retry was successful').
'Retry' implies a previous attempt that failed or was unsatisfactory, focusing on the effort to succeed. 'Repeat' is more neutral, meaning to do something again, regardless of prior success or failure.
It is neutral. It is appropriate in both everyday speech ('I'll retry the password') and formal/technical contexts ('The system will retry the transaction').
To try again or make another attempt at something.
Retry: in British English it is pronounced /ˌriːˈtraɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌriˈtraɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No specific idioms. Used literally.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think RE-TRY: simply 'try' again with 'RE-' (meaning again) in front.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY where a failed path is taken again; a PROCESS that can be restarted.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'retry' MOST specifically a technical term?