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

Making episodic network television has always been a process of trial and error, as writers and cast gradually figure out which story lines and characters really pop and which drive the show into a ditch. —Noel Murray, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025

Through much trial and error, Flores was able to teach himself how to program the skeletons to move their jaws and heads in time with prerecorded dialogue or songs of his choosing. —Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025

While the benefits of T can be amazing, figuring out the side effects can also take trial and error. —Quispe López, Them., 24 Oct. 2025

Over time, each algorithm learned through trial and error to retaliate when the other cut prices — dropping its own price by some huge, disproportionate amount. —Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 22 Oct. 2025

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