WordGarden.ioexperimental
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /ɛkspˌɛrɪmˈɛntəl/
US
- /ɪkˌspɛrɪˈmɛntəl/
Meanings
Adjective
involving or based on tests or experiments
new, tentative, or not yet fully proven
using unconventional or avant-garde creative methods
Beyond the definition
Something experimental is still being tested or tried out. Think of a chef making a brand-new recipe; the dish is experimental until they know it works well. It can also describe something very different from what people usually do, like an experimental film with no normal plot or dialogue. Scientists use "experimental" all the time for research where they test new ideas and watch what happens. Sometimes things go well, and sometimes they do not. But that is the point: trying new things and learning by doing.
The word experimental describes something related to a test or investigation carried out to learn more about something, often with the goal of discovering or proving a new idea. It suggests a departure from established methods, norms, or practices.
You'll most often hear "experimental" in scientific contexts: an experimental drug is one being tested for safety and effectiveness; an experimental study involves manipulating variables to observe their effects. But it extends beyond science! An artist might create experimental music that breaks traditional musical structures, or a writer might use an experimental narrative style with unconventional storytelling techniques.
"Experimental" does not necessarily mean "successful." In fact, it often implies risk and uncertainty. Something experimental is likely to be innovative, groundbreaking, or unusual, but also potentially flawed or unproven. It is about exploring possibilities, even if those explorations do not always yield predictable results. Think of early airplanes - they were highly experimental machines!
So whether you're talking about science, art, technology, or anything else, "experimental" signals a willingness to try something new, explore uncharted territory, and learn through the process of testing and refinement. It's all about venturing into the unknown.
Examples
- 1
Medical treatment
The hospital is offering an experimental treatment to a small group of patients.
- 2
App prototype
The company showed an experimental version of the app at the conference.
- 3
Music style
She enjoys listening to experimental music, even when it sounds strange at first.
- 4
Project stage
We're still in the experimental phase, so the design may change a lot.
- Phraseexperimental phase
an early stage when people are still testing ideas
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Cooking style
He's quite experimental in the kitchen and often combines flavors you wouldn't expect.
- Phraseexperimental in the kitchen
willing to try unusual ideas when cooking
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- innovative
- unproven
- cutting-edge
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- experimental treatment
- experimental music
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- experimentalnounadjective
Forms
- experimentalspluralnounadjective