Friend finds attempt trifling (6)
I believe the answer is:
paltry
'trifling' is the definition.
(I know that trifling can be written as paltry)
'friend finds attempt' is the wordplay.
'friend' becomes 'pal' (pal can mean a friend).
'finds' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'attempt' becomes 'try' (synonyms).
'pal'+'try'='PALTRY'
(Other definitions for paltry that I've seen before include "Trivial or contemptible" , "Petty - base" , "Minor, insignificant" , "Measly, trifling" , "Meagre, mean" .)