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
Success at tests like puzzles and mazes, which appeared to Washburn to be the result of reasoning, or insight—observation and detection—Thorndike insisted was instead merely the result of blundering, repetition, and trial and error.
—
Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Learning through trial and error Building the robot took a lot of trial and error.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
Travel is, at its core, a series of trial and error.
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
My organization credentials are well-earned after much trial and error.
—Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for trial and error
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Learning through trial and error Building the robot took a lot of trial and error.
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026
Travel is, at its core, a series of trial and error.
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 30 Apr. 2026
My organization credentials are well-earned after much trial and error.
—Lauren Arzbaecher, Architectural Digest, 28 Apr. 2026
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 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
