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
Reconfiguring your out-of-home commitments may take some trial and error.
—
Maggie O'Neill, Health, 4 Nov. 2024
Best Banana Republic Black Friday jeans deals Finding on-trend, hugs-you-in-all-the-right-places jeans takes trial and error—and Glamour editors can assure you that Banana Republic more than delivers on this front.
—Maura Jenkins, Glamour, 2 Nov. 2024
This precision can reduce trial and error in treatments and minimize the risk of adverse drug reactions.
—Roman Smagulov, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
Quick connections take a lot of trial and error, and never quite in the same way.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for trial and error 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Maggie O'Neill, Health, 4 Nov. 2024
Best Banana Republic Black Friday jeans deals Finding on-trend, hugs-you-in-all-the-right-places jeans takes trial and error—and Glamour editors can assure you that Banana Republic more than delivers on this front.
—Maura Jenkins, Glamour, 2 Nov. 2024
This precision can reduce trial and error in treatments and minimize the risk of adverse drug reactions.
—Roman Smagulov, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024
Quick connections take a lot of trial and error, and never quite in the same way.
—Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for trial and error
Dictionary Entries Near 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 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share