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
The other option is to find the minimum effective dose (or MED), which replaces trial and error with a meticulous process of observation and analysis.
—
Matt Reynolds, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Offer encouragement without over-praising: Determination through trial and error, but finding the right balance between discipline and praise is key.
—Alana Bracken, Parents, 28 Feb. 2025
There isn’t a single CBD dosage that’s right for everyone, so finding your perfect dose can require some trial and error.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
The o1-preview and R1 AI systems are among the first language models to use large-scale reinforcement learning, a technique that teaches AI not merely to mimic human language by predicting the next word, but to reason through problems using trial and error.
—Harry Booth, TIME, 19 Feb. 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.
Matt Reynolds, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Offer encouragement without over-praising: Determination through trial and error, but finding the right balance between discipline and praise is key.
—Alana Bracken, Parents, 28 Feb. 2025
There isn’t a single CBD dosage that’s right for everyone, so finding your perfect dose can require some trial and error.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025
The o1-preview and R1 AI systems are among the first language models to use large-scale reinforcement learning, a technique that teaches AI not merely to mimic human language by predicting the next word, but to reason through problems using trial and error.
—Harry Booth, TIME, 19 Feb. 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 19 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share