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
Finding a workout program that doesn’t trigger your asthma may take some trial and error, but don’t give up.
—
Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025
With a lot of trial and error, combined with a custom prototype furnace and specialized equipment, the team found how to combine the precise conditions, ingredients, and methods to produce 18 kg (39 lb) at a time.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2025
The movie inspired a very brief period of trial and error.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 17 Mar. 2025
The 13-step skin-care regimen that Union ultimately landed on took some trial and error.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trial and error
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 17 Mar. 2025
With a lot of trial and error, combined with a custom prototype furnace and specialized equipment, the team found how to combine the precise conditions, ingredients, and methods to produce 18 kg (39 lb) at a time.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2025
The movie inspired a very brief period of trial and error.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 17 Mar. 2025
The 13-step skin-care regimen that Union ultimately landed on took some trial and error.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 31 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share