trial and error
noun phraseUK /ˌtraɪəl ənd ˈerə/
US /ˌtraɪəl ənd ˈerər/
A way of learning by trying things and fixing mistakes.
She learned to ride her bike by trial and error.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A method of solving problems by trying different solutions until one works.
The engineers found the right design through trial and error.
3. A process of learning from failed attempts rather than from instruction.
Cooking without a recipe often becomes a matter of trial and error.
4. A repeated cycle of attempts and corrections in research or development.
The new medicine was improved through years of trial and error.