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
Testing out serums, in particular, takes a lot of trial and error.
—
Michelle Baricevic, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
Through generations of trial and error, most Red Lake Nation members know to stay off the big lake in the winter, opting instead to fish for trout in smaller lakes and streams.
—Stephanie Pearson, Outside, 14 Jan. 2026
Finally finding the simple natural linen one made up for all the trial and error.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 13 Jan. 2026
Training begins in a simulated environment using reinforcement learning, where the robot improves by trial and error.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
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Michelle Baricevic, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
Through generations of trial and error, most Red Lake Nation members know to stay off the big lake in the winter, opting instead to fish for trout in smaller lakes and streams.
—Stephanie Pearson, Outside, 14 Jan. 2026
Finally finding the simple natural linen one made up for all the trial and error.
—Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 13 Jan. 2026
Training begins in a simulated environment using reinforcement learning, where the robot improves by trial and error.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 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 16 Jan. 2026.
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