Word
experimentation
Phoneticsex·per·i·men·ta·tion, stress on the fifth syllable
US/ɪkˌspɛɹəmənˈteɪʃən/
UK/ɛkspˌɛɹɪməntˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01scientific testing
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science Academic
n. the act of doing scientific tests to learn more about how something works.
n. the practice of conducting controlled tests or observations to validate a hypothesis or investigate causal relationships.
“The new drug is still in the stage of animal experimentation.”
“Rigorous experimentation is required to ensure that the results are not merely the product of environmental variables or statistical noise.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general practice of science.
Teaching tip
In academic contexts, emphasize that this implies a structured method rather than just 'trying things out'.
Synonyms
02trying new ideas
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. trying different methods, styles, or ideas to see which one you like best.
n. the act of trying out new concepts, techniques, or artistic styles to achieve a novel result.
“After some experimentation in the kitchen, he finally found the perfect recipe for spicy bread.”
“The director's early work was marked by bold experimentation with non-linear storytelling and unconventional camera angles.”
Teaching tip
This sense is common in arts, cooking, and business to describe a creative or flexible approach.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Blended Finance Canada will combine research with real-world experimentation to understand why climate, social-impact and community-led projects struggle to access capital and what financial approaches can help overcome those barriers.” “He brightens, recalling the “open, relaxed” experimentation of the trio’s thickly groove-driven 1982 Full Circle album.” Etymology
From Latin ex- + -periri (akin to periculum), "attempt". Morphologically experiment + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/experimentation