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
The process took over a year, and mostly unfolded through trial and error, Liao says.
—
Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 23 May 2024
Her approach to gardening is about being open-minded and unafraid of a little trial and error.
—Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 23 May 2024
Through trial and error, and applying various military requirements such as the width of the steel plates, weight of the empty pontoon, depth needed to float and load-bearing capacity, Laycock designed a basic pontoon 5 feet high by 7 feet long by 5 feet wide.
—Frank A. Blazich Jr., The Conversation, 20 May 2024
For some people, some of the older weight-loss medications may be just as effective, but until now, doctors relied on a trial and error method of prescribing them.
—Alice Park, TIME, 20 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for trial and error 
Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 23 May 2024
Her approach to gardening is about being open-minded and unafraid of a little trial and error.
—Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 23 May 2024
Through trial and error, and applying various military requirements such as the width of the steel plates, weight of the empty pontoon, depth needed to float and load-bearing capacity, Laycock designed a basic pontoon 5 feet high by 7 feet long by 5 feet wide.
—Frank A. Blazich Jr., The Conversation, 20 May 2024
For some people, some of the older weight-loss medications may be just as effective, but until now, doctors relied on a trial and error method of prescribing them.
—Alice Park, TIME, 20 May 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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“Trial and error.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trial%20and%20error. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.
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