To "attempt" means to "try." A step is one process taken in a sequential series of other processes. As an example, we're going to imagine cooking rice in three attempts. FIRST ATTEMPT Step 1: Heat the rice. Step 2: Add water. Step 3: Wash rice. (Of course if you try cooking rice this way, the attempt will certainly be unsuccessful) ATTEMPT 2 Step 1: Heat water. Step 2: Pour the hot water over the rice Step 3: Wash rice. (Of course this attempt would also prove to be unsuccessful) ATTEMPT 3 Step 1: Wash rice Step 2: Add water to rice Step 3: Heat rice with the water (This attempt should be successful). ~~Hope my attempt to answer your question proves helpful to you. ;)