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
Making episodic network television has always been a process of trial and error, as writers and cast gradually figure out which story lines and characters really pop and which drive the show into a ditch.
—
Noel Murray, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Through much trial and error, Flores was able to teach himself how to program the skeletons to move their jaws and heads in time with prerecorded dialogue or songs of his choosing.
—Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025
While the benefits of T can be amazing, figuring out the side effects can also take trial and error.
—Quispe López, Them., 24 Oct. 2025
Over time, each algorithm learned through trial and error to retaliate when the other cut prices — dropping its own price by some huge, disproportionate amount.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 22 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trial and error
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Noel Murray, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
Through much trial and error, Flores was able to teach himself how to program the skeletons to move their jaws and heads in time with prerecorded dialogue or songs of his choosing.
—Endia Fontanez, AZCentral.com, 24 Oct. 2025
While the benefits of T can be amazing, figuring out the side effects can also take trial and error.
—Quispe López, Them., 24 Oct. 2025
Over time, each algorithm learned through trial and error to retaliate when the other cut prices — dropping its own price by some huge, disproportionate amount.
—Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 22 Oct. 2025
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 2 Nov. 2025.
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