trial and error

noun

|Updated on: 20 Jun 2018

Definition of trial and error

: 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

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Recent Examples of trial and error from the Web

The group not on opioids tried an average of four pain medications, requiring careful trial and error under close medical supervision.

— stacey burling, Philly.com, "Lost in the battle to create fewer new patients addicted to opioids: Longtime pain patients," 24 May 2018
Much of the treatment for depression relies on trial and error, with anywhere from a third to 40% of people failing to respond to their first drug treatment.

— alice park, Time, "A Genetic Test Could Help Predict the Right Antidepressant For You," 7 May 2018
And, unfortunately, treating these conditions may require some trial and error.

— korin miller, SELF, "Here Are All the Things That Can Cause Bizarre Green Poop," 30 May 2018
For many entrepreneurs, these early adrenaline-fueled days can be a messy period of trial and error.

— laura entis, Fortune, "How to Hire: The Marketing CEO," 23 May 2018
The pump bag inflater for the cushy Exped Megamat Duo 10 sleeping mat ($369 at REI), like a few other pieces of gear, required some trial and error.

— melanie d.g. kaplan, chicagotribune.com, "Camping without the hassle: New service rents you all the gear you need, plus the car," 21 May 2018
But the authors were very much the scientists of their day, experimenting by trial and error and sometimes making lasting contributions, Voelkel said.

— tom avril, Philly.com, "Scans reveal secrets of medieval 'Harry Potter' book and medical texts at Penn," 14 May 2018
Most adults learn to manage their own finances through trial and error.

— rebecca mcvane, Sun-Sentinel.com, "In quest for financial literacy, the buck stops with parents," 1 May 2018
Instead of micromanaging an algorithm with detailed instructions, engineers let the machine explore an environment and learn to meet goals through trial and error.

— joshua sokol, The Atlantic, "AI Keeps Mastering Games, But Can It Win in the Real World?," 27 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trial and error.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.