All idioms
idiom

Trial and Error

TRY-ul and EHR-er

/ˈtraɪəl ænd ˈɛrər/

Listen

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Syllable breakdown

TrialandError

Dictionary meaning

A problem-solving method that involves attempting various approaches and learning from failures until a successful solution is found, without necessarily following a systematic plan. Common in both scientific research and everyday life.

Examples

  • Early drug development relied heavily on trial and error to identify effective compounds.
  • By trial and error, the baker eventually perfected the recipe for her sourdough.

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