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
After nearly two weeks of trial and error, two Minnesota friends stranded in Dubai during the war with Iran have returned home.
—
Frankie McLister, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Like Wright’s past games, this one would be about tinkering, about trial and error, about classifying and reclassifying and watching as one’s psyche-map changed.
—Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026
But with these, there’s no frustrating trial and error.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 24 Mar. 2026
Manaea expects some trial and error when figuring out how to stay on a consistent work schedule.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for trial and error
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Frankie McLister, CBS News, 26 Mar. 2026
Like Wright’s past games, this one would be about tinkering, about trial and error, about classifying and reclassifying and watching as one’s psyche-map changed.
—Eric Boodman, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2026
But with these, there’s no frustrating trial and error.
—Lily Wohlner, Allure, 24 Mar. 2026
Manaea expects some trial and error when figuring out how to stay on a consistent work schedule.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026
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 28 Mar. 2026.
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