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Definitions

trial and error

NOUN
experimental approach
Synonyms
WEAK
R and D analysis cut and try examination experiment hit and miss hit or miss probe research research and development study tentation test

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It took some trial and error to arrive at the 15-minute construct.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026

"Then I thought, what if we could map the entire brain and gain a much broader view? It took several rounds of testing and trial and error before the measurements and analysis worked well together."

From Science Daily • Mar. 1, 2026

Figuring out who and how you love takes trial and error, two things Andie and Blane both endure while trying to fit into each other’s respective worlds.

From Salon • Feb. 28, 2026

With no formal engineering background, Richardson began collecting information online, perusing old manuals, learning through trial and error.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

Still, Zhang Hemin and Huang Yan recognized that this first attempt would also be mostly trial and error.

From "Camp Panda" by Catherine Thimmesh