Word
experimental
Phoneticsex·per·i·men·tal, stress on the fourth syllable
US/ɪkˌspɛɹɪˈmɛntəɫ/
UK/ɛkspˌɛɹɪmˈɛntəl/
Definitions
01scientific testing
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Academic
adj. relating to scientific tests or based on doing experiments.
adj. pertaining to, derived from, or founded on the use of controlled experiments to test a hypothesis.
“The scientists are still in the experimental stage of the new drug trial.”
“The researchers published their experimental findings in a peer-reviewed journal, detailing the rigorous controls used during the double-blind study.”
Usage
Often used to modify nouns like 'data', 'results', or 'phase'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02new and untried
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. using new methods or ideas that have not been proven yet.
adj. serving as a trial or tentative procedure; not yet established or finalised.
“The school is trying an experimental teaching method this year.”
“The government launched an experimental universal basic income programme in three small municipalities to observe its impact on local employment rates.”
Antonyms
03art and music
C1 · Advanced Academic
adj. using very new or strange ideas in art, music, or writing.
adj. referring to avant-garde or innovative techniques that depart from traditional forms.
“I found the experimental jazz concert a bit difficult to listen to.”
“The gallery specialises in experimental digital art that challenges the viewer's perception of physical space and time.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04test subject
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Technical · Formal
n. a person or thing that is being used in a scientific test.
n. the subject or entity undergoing an experiment.
“The researcher monitored each experimental throughout the six-week study.”
“Ethical guidelines require that every experimental be fully informed of the potential risks before the clinical trial commences.”
Usage
This noun use is rare outside of specific technical or academic contexts; 'subject' is more common.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “experimental” in context.
Verb
01. adopt an experimental approach
“The director decided to adopt an experimental approach to the classic Shakespearean play.”
verb + adj + noun
02. conduct experimental research
“The university department was funded to conduct experimental research into renewable energy sources.”
verb + adj + noun
Adjective
03. experimental design
“The researchers spent months refining their experimental design to ensure the results were valid.”
adj + noun
04. experimental music
“She enjoys listening to experimental music that incorporates found sounds and unconventional rhythms.”
adj + noun
05. experimental stage
“The new drug is still in the experimental stage and has not yet been approved for public use.”
adj + noun
06. highly experimental
“The surgeon performed a highly experimental procedure to repair the damaged nerve tissue.”
adv + adj
Noun
07. experimental data
“The scientists analyzed the experimental data to see if it supported their initial hypothesis.”
adj + noun
08. experimental vaccine
09. concurrent experimental
10. merit experimental
Real-World Examples
“The songs of Spears are spliced with Swan Lake, and the show becomes less narrative and more experimental, which renders it abstract but also deepens its emotional power.” “An experimental GLP-1 pill helped people with obesity or overweight lose as much as 12.1% of their body weight in just 36 weeks.” “Researchers now know that intravenous vitamin C reaches vastly higher concentrations and can behave more like an experimental cancer drug than an ordinary supplement.” “The UK medicines regulator has given approval for an experimental vaccine to be tested on healthy adults.” Etymology
From experiment + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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