trial and error

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.

Dr Khashayar Kazemzadeh, a lecturer in transport planning at The University of Manchester, thinks governments around the world are still in a trial and error phase here.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 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

As in “The Martian,” the story is built around trial and error and the scientific method.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 1, 2026

If he'd scouted carefully, by trial and error he might have found a place where these braids were only chest-deep.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer