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
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, 29 Jan. 2026
Finding the right fit can take some trial and error, Shen adds.
—Erica Sweeney, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
Yet Prows says finding the right tone and tightroping genres was an exercise in trial and error.
—William Earl, Variety, 16 Jan. 2026
Testing out serums, in particular, takes a lot of trial and error.
—Michelle Baricevic, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for trial and error
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Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 29 Jan. 2026
Finding the right fit can take some trial and error, Shen adds.
—Erica Sweeney, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
Yet Prows says finding the right tone and tightroping genres was an exercise in trial and error.
—William Earl, Variety, 16 Jan. 2026
Testing out serums, in particular, takes a lot of trial and error.
—Michelle Baricevic, InStyle, 14 Jan. 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 31 Jan. 2026.
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