trial and error

noun

Updated on: 12 Apr 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

Fiddling with your Internet settings is all about trial and error.

— kim komando, Fox News, "Speed up Internet, find forgotten passwords, convert VHS tapes, and more," 7 Apr. 2018
With the help of considerable trial and error of his father, now in his eighth year as a principal in the Pinellas County (Fla.) school system.

— vahe gregorian, kansascity, "How Barry Brown Jr. became the essence of a gritty K-State team | The Kansas City Star," 21 Mar. 2018
To phrase that more scientifically, evolution has had billions of years of trial and error to produce species that are well adapted chemically and physically.

— matthew francis, Ars Technica, "“Life, uh, finds a way”—Applying lessons from evolution to go to Mars," 26 Jan. 2018
Using a variety of materials, Persa said the students completed the projects working together through trial and error.

— michael walsh, Courant Community, "Unionville Museum Features Work Of Local Students," 20 Mar. 2018
Simple, off-white leotards were embellished with the velvet ribbon, using much trial and error, Moralioglu told British Vogue.

— sarah gidick, The Hollywood Reporter, "#SocialGathering: Margot Robbie's Oscar Lipstick is Selling Out; Blake Lively Makes Disneyland an Offer," 16 Mar. 2018
Throughout the years with trial and error and knowledge, Cho has carefully honed her routine to effectively treat her hormonal acne and hyperpigmentation.

— kathleen hou, The Cut, "How I Used Korean Skin Care to Treat My Hormonal Acne," 9 Mar. 2018
That is possible because, after several years of trial and error, Windy City’s artistic director Amy Rubenstein decided last year not to announce her performance dates a year in advance.

— chris jones, chicagotribune.com, "'Southern Gothic' is a sold-out house at the Windy City. What to do next?," 7 Mar. 2018
The software teaches itself to perform image-recognition tasks through trial and error.

— kevin roose, New York Times, "Here Come the Fake Videos, Too," 4 Mar. 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.