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
Through trial and error, Kolodny and the staff affixed the bracelets to the walls by Thursday.
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Bryan West, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024
Though finding the right color will require some elbow grease—and plenty of trial and error—the results can bring out the very best of your home’s architecture.
—Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
The best medicine for you may involve trial and error.
—Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 11 Oct. 2024
With so many products to choose from, some experimentation and trial and error will be required.
—Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for trial and error 
Bryan West, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024
Though finding the right color will require some elbow grease—and plenty of trial and error—the results can bring out the very best of your home’s architecture.
—Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 21 Oct. 2024
The best medicine for you may involve trial and error.
—Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 11 Oct. 2024
With so many products to choose from, some experimentation and trial and error will be required.
—Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 10 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for trial and error
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trial and error.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Trial and error.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trial%20and%20error. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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