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
What once felt like trial and error is starting to look like precision.
—
Ivan Guzenko, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
For makeup department head Alexei Dmitriew and hair department head Ally Vickers, the task of coming up with the right amount of camouflage for Powell was one of trial and error.
—Carita Rizzo, HollywoodReporter, 8 June 2026
No need for trial and error to figure out your go-to color combinations—ahead, discover six essential shades that deserve a permanent spot in your wardrobe rotation.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 3 June 2026
What started as a thought experiment has required trial and error.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 3 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for trial and error
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Ivan Guzenko, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026
For makeup department head Alexei Dmitriew and hair department head Ally Vickers, the task of coming up with the right amount of camouflage for Powell was one of trial and error.
—Carita Rizzo, HollywoodReporter, 8 June 2026
No need for trial and error to figure out your go-to color combinations—ahead, discover six essential shades that deserve a permanent spot in your wardrobe rotation.
—Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 3 June 2026
What started as a thought experiment has required trial and error.
—Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 3 June 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 18 Jun. 2026.
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