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 pleasure Warner brings to the exchange reflects just how much his character has transformed from an aimless teen afraid to fail into an adult who recognizes that trial and error are part of life.
—
Laura Bradley, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2025
They can be grown in a matter of days from a patient's own stem cells, and their doctors use them to screen for the best medicine for their condition, sparing months of trial and error.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Through trial and error, the technology trained itself to create accurate numerical simulations of airflow to take measurements.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 29 July 2025
This is how children learn independence and responsibility—through trial and error, Chavez explains.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for trial and error
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Laura Bradley, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2025
They can be grown in a matter of days from a patient's own stem cells, and their doctors use them to screen for the best medicine for their condition, sparing months of trial and error.
—Alex Knapp, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Through trial and error, the technology trained itself to create accurate numerical simulations of airflow to take measurements.
—Colson Thayer, People.com, 29 July 2025
This is how children learn independence and responsibility—through trial and error, Chavez explains.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 29 July 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 7 Aug. 2025.
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