trial and error

noun

: a finding out of the best way to reach a desired result or a correct solution by trying out one or more ways or means and by noting and eliminating errors or causes of failure
also : the trying of one thing or another until something succeeds

Examples of trial and error in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This meant that the traditional process of trial and error — with the keyframe animators coming up with the individual character performances, then the director giving feedback and the animators going back to the drawing board — would take too long. Rafael Motamayor, IndieWire, 2 Jan. 2025 The martini went through four iterations over a month of trial and error, according to bar manager Alex Downing. Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 2 Jan. 2025 The best way to tell what fits is trial and error by many individuals over a lot of time. Dan McLaughlin, National Review, 30 Dec. 2024 The first future is where we've been stuck for years—a frustrating cycle of trial and error. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trial and error 

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trial and error was in 1806

Dictionary Entries Near trial and error

Cite this Entry

“Trial and error.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trial%20and%20error. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

trial and error

noun
: the trying of one thing or another until something succeeds

More from Merriam-Webster on trial and error

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