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 months of trial and error, the doctors had finally sourced control of the infection.
—
Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
On the Menu From this trial and error, Tarun created a base formula, but even with his measurements, Vivek struggled to recreate the chai.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
Sabrina Elba's skin has never looked better, but it's taken a lot of trial and error — and going back to her ancestral roots for some inspiration — to find what works for her.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 10 June 2025
While most founders learn painfully through a process of trial and error, the savvy ones leverage advisors to absorb decades of expensive lessons without paying the tuition of personal experience.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for trial and error
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Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 June 2025
On the Menu From this trial and error, Tarun created a base formula, but even with his measurements, Vivek struggled to recreate the chai.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 13 June 2025
Sabrina Elba's skin has never looked better, but it's taken a lot of trial and error — and going back to her ancestral roots for some inspiration — to find what works for her.
—Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 10 June 2025
While most founders learn painfully through a process of trial and error, the savvy ones leverage advisors to absorb decades of expensive lessons without paying the tuition of personal experience.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 June 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 27 Jun. 2025.
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