experimentation

IPA/ɪkˌsperɪmenˈteɪʃn/
KK[ɪkspˌɛrəməntˈeʃən]IPA/ɪkˌsperɪmenˈteɪʃn/

experimentation — noun

1. the activity of trying new methods or running tests in order to find out how som

1.nounB2
Definition

the activity of trying new methods or running tests in order to find out how something works or what result it produces

Example

Dr. Hana's experimentation with different soil types helped local farmers grow better rice.

collocation: experimentation with [topic]

In art class, Quinn's experimentation with mixing paint colours produced some beautiful results.

Common collocations
  • experimentation with [something]
  • scientific experimentation
  • further experimentation
  • years of experimentation
Synonyms
  • testing

    more focused on checking whether something meets a standard or works correctly

  • trial

    suggests a short-term test to evaluate effectiveness

  • research

    broader — includes reading, observation, and analysis beyond running tests

Grammar Patterns

experimentation + with + noun phrase

Usage Note

Usually uncountable — names the general activity rather than a single test. For one specific test, use the countable noun 'experiment'.

Common Mistakes

We conducted several experimentations.
We conducted several experiments.
'Experimentation' is uncountable and does not usually appear in the plural.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

While all four describe examining something to learn more, experimentation emphasises hands-on trying and observing outcomes through repeated controlled actions. Testing focuses on checking whether something works or meets a standard, such as product safety testing. Trial suggests trying something for a short period to evaluate it, as in a clinical trial or trial period. Research is broader and longer-term; it includes reading, interviews, and data analysis, not just running tests. Investigation implies looking into facts to uncover why something happened, such as a police investigation. For example, 'years of experimentation led to the drug' suggests many rounds of lab tests, while 'years of research led to the drug' could mean analysing past studies and patient data.

testing ↗trial ↗research ↗investigation ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Experimentation comes from Latin 'experimentum' (a trial or test), from the verb 'experiri' (to try, to test). It passed into English through French in the late 1500s, with the suffix '-ation' turning the action into a noun that names the ongoing activity.