trial and error

American  

noun

1. experimentation or investigation in which various methods or means are tried and faulty ones eliminated in order to find the correct solution or to achieve the desired result or effect.

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trial and error British  

noun

1. a method of discovery, solving problems, etc, based on practical experiment and experience rather than on theory

   he learned to cook by trial and error

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trial and error Cultural  

1. To “proceed by trial and error” is to experiment, rejecting what does not work and adopting what does.

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trial and error Idioms  

1. An attempt to accomplish something by trying various means until the correct one is found. for example, The only way to solve this problem is by trial and error. The error here alludes to the failed means or attempts, which are discarded until the right way is found. [c. 1800]

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Other Word Forms

• trial-and-error adjective

Etymology

Origin of trial and error

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

Reaching this point has been a grind, according to Conch and Huawei, requiring substantial trial and error to get the model to work.

From The Wall Street Journal

And while Beijing funds these developments centrally, in the US it is a messy but productive free market free for all, which means trial and error on an epic scale.

From BBC

Although more research is needed, the findings suggest a future where choosing an antidepressant might no longer depend on trial and error.

From Science Daily

They are regular workers who have become uncommonly savvy with existing AI tools, often through trial and error.

From The Wall Street Journal

The firm pleaded guilty to a health and safety breach and was sentenced at Teesside Crown Court, with the judge hearing dangerous work was being carried out by "trial and error".

From BBC