trial and error
noun
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.
Origin of trial and error
First recorded in 1800–10
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Related Words for trial and error
analysis, examination, experiment, probe, research, study, test, tentationExamples from the Web for trial and error
Contemporary Examples of trial and error
Rock of Ages, on the other hand, was recorded at the perfect moment: after the trial-and-error period, before the decline.
From there, we subjected ourselves to a lot of trial-and-error.
Historical Examples of trial and error
Its use avoids the wastefulness of the trial-and-error method.
Sound Military DecisionU.s. Naval War College
How may we recognize this potential teacher without resorting to a clumsy, time-wasting, trial-and-error method?
Vocational Guidance for GirlsMarguerite Stockman Dickson
No trial-and-error, no baby hesitation with hand poised—just a sudden assured, controlled action.
The Short LifeFrancis Donovan
trial and error
noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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trial and error
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
trial and error
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.