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

Science YouTuber Jakidale documented the design process and testing, which highlight the hours of trial and error, CAD renderings, and experimentation needed to pull off their collective success. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 9 July 2026

Through enlightened leadership, and my own trial and error, Mammoth Lakes managed to create a sense of stewardship for the town’s wild kingdom. — Steve Searles, Mercury News, 8 July 2026

As a result, developing predictive models for 2D perovskites remained difficult, forcing researchers to rely heavily on experimental trial and error. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 5 July 2026

What would take a human athlete roughly a year of physical trial and error to develop, Atlas worked through in about 24 hours. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 5 July 2026

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