What does "trial" mean?
An occasion on which a person or thing is tested to find out how well they perform or how suitable they are.
Trial
/ˈtɹaɪəl/ adj, noun, verb
adj, noun, verb ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An occasion on which a person or thing is tested to find out how well they perform or how suitable they are.
- Grammar: trial is listed as adj, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: test, abomination, acid test, adverse circumstances.
- Useful contrasts: evidentiary hearing, pretrial, achievement.
- Usage evidence: Finding a solution that worked was a process of trial and error.
How to use "trial"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "trial" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "trial" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "trial" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "trial" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "trial" is acting as adj, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "test" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "trial", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An occasion on which a person or thing is tested to find out how well they perform or how suitable they are.
"all thy vexations / Were but my trials of thy love and thou / Hast strangely stood the test here"
- 2 The trial number.
- 3 the act of testing something wordnet
- 4 An occasion on which a person or thing is tested to find out how well they perform or how suitable they are.; The testing of a product or procedure.
"They will perform the trials for the new equipment next week."
- 5 the act of undergoing testing wordnet
Show 12 more definitions
- 6 An occasion on which a person or thing is tested to find out how well they perform or how suitable they are.; A research study to test the effectiveness and safety of a drug, medical procedure, etc.
"A randomized, controlled trial (RCT)."
- 7 (law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law wordnet
- 8 An occasion on which a person or thing is tested to find out how well they perform or how suitable they are.; An event in which athletes’ or animals’ abilities are tested as they compete for a place on a team, or to move on to the next level of a championship, for example.
"soccer trials; sheepdog trials"
- 9 trying something to find out about it wordnet
- 10 An occasion on which a person or thing is tested to find out how well they perform or how suitable they are.; A piece of ware used to test the heat of a kiln.
- 11 an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event wordnet
- 12 An occasion on which a person or thing is tested to find out how well they perform or how suitable they are.; An internal examination set by Eton College. UK
- 13 (sports) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications wordnet
- 14 An occasion on which a person or thing is tested to find out how well they perform or how suitable they are.; An occasion on which armies or individuals meet in combat. archaic
"In both your armies there is many a soul / Shall pay full dearly for this encounter, / If once they join in trial."
- 15 A meeting or series of meetings in a court of law at which evidence is presented to a judge (and sometimes a jury) to allow them to decide on a legal matter (especially whether an accused person is guilty of a crime).
"If you are convicted at trial, you have the right to file an appeal."
- 16 A difficult or annoying experience or person; (especially religion) such an experience seen as a test of faith and piety.
"That boy was a trial to his parents."
- 17 The action of trying (to do) something, especially more than once. (This sense is still current in the expression trial and error.) archaic
"Finding my first Seed did not grow, which I easily imagin’d was by the Drought, I sought for a moister Piece of Ground to make another Trial in,"
Verb
- 1 To carry out a series of tests on (a new product, procedure etc.) before marketing or implementing it. transitive
"The warning system was extensively trialed before being fitted to all our vehicles."
- 2 To try out (a new player) in a sports team. transitive
"The team trialled a new young goalkeeper in Saturday's match, with mixed results."
Adjective
- 1 Pertaining to a trial or test. not-comparable
- 2 Characterized by having three (usually equivalent) components. not-comparable
- 3 Attempted on a provisional or experimental basis. not-comparable
- 4 Triple. not-comparable
- 5 Pertaining to a language form referring to three of something, like people. (See Ambai language for an example.) not-comparable
"No language has a trial number unless it has a dual."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Finding a solution that worked was a process of trial and error."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "trial"?
Common synonyms include: test, abomination, acid test, adverse circumstances, adversity, affliction.
How do you use "trial" in a sentence?
Finding a solution that worked was a process of trial and error.
How do you pronounce "trial"?
Pronounced /ˈtɹaɪəl/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Middle English trial, triall, from Anglo-Norman trial, triel, from trier (“to pick out, cull”) + -al. More at English try.
Etymology 2
From Latin tri- (stem of trēs (“three”)) + -al, on the pattern of dual.