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
While the game lets players learn through incremental trial and error, our coverage of Artemis II breaks down how NASA sent humans swooping around the moon, and how the agency plans to eventually settle the lunar surface.
—
Alan Bradley, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
But either way, a decision needs to be made immediately because there's no trial and error here.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
Every bit of it was on the fly, pure trial and error.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
That is 16 years of trial and error, and time spent building a body of work and dependable clients.
—Jennifer Oliver Oconnell, Oc Register, 6 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.
Alan Bradley, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
But either way, a decision needs to be made immediately because there's no trial and error here.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026
Every bit of it was on the fly, pure trial and error.
—Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 8 Apr. 2026
That is 16 years of trial and error, and time spent building a body of work and dependable clients.
—Jennifer Oliver Oconnell, Oc Register, 6 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 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
