Trial

/ˈtraɪəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A test of the performance, qualities, or suitability of someone or something.

The new software is currently undergoing a trial period to evaluate its effectiveness.

A formal examination of evidence in a court, typically to determine the guilt or innocence of a defendant.

The trial lasted for several weeks and featured testimonies from numerous witnesses.

An arduous or painful experience.

The trials of living in a foreign country can be overwhelming at times.

verb

To test something in order to determine its quality or performance.

We need to trial this new product before launching it to the public.

Middle English, from Old French 'trial', derived from 'trier' meaning 'to try'.

on trial

In the process of being judged in a court.

trial and error

A method of learning or problem-solving based on testing different approaches until finding one that works.

trial run

A preliminary or testing performance.

test

A procedure intended to establish the quality, performance, or reliability of something.

experiment

A scientific procedure undertaken to test a hypothesis.

assessment

The evaluation or estimation of the nature, ability, or quality of someone or something.

Trial by fire

He learned how to manage stress after his trial by fire in the project.

Trial balloon

The company sent out a trial balloon to gauge public reaction to their new product.