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

Learning from someone else’s missteps can save you years of trial and error, providing reassurance and peace of mind. —Hao Lam, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

Ohtani will have a little more than two months for such trial and error, and even less if the National League West remains competitive. —Dylan Hernández, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2025

After a bit of trial and error, the team induced the cicadas to produce specific musical notes over more than three octaves, ranging from 27.5 hertz to 261.6 hertz. —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025

Our mother figures and friends can serve as the best sources of inspiration for beauty tips and tricks, thanks to many years of trial and error. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 2 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1806, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for trial and error

• bearer
• carer
• fairer
• ferrer
• rarer
• sharer
• terror
• wearer
• cupbearer
• declarer
• preparer
• repairer

Kids Definition

trial and error

noun

: the trying of one thing or another until something succeeds