adj
Common
experimental
ihks-peh-ruh-MEHN-tuhl
Experimental (adj) means Based on or used for testing new ideas; not yet proven or standard. Example: “The students built an experimental car that runs on very little fuel.”
adj
1
Based on or used for testing new ideas; not yet proven or standard.
"The students built an experimental car that runs on very little fuel."
"The hospital is trying an experimental treatment for the disease."
"Their new album has an experimental sound, mixing jazz and electronica."
How to use experimental
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething new and untested, done to see if it works.
Common pairings
experimental drug
experimental design
experimental music
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Word forms
- Plural
- experimentals
- Comparative
- more experimental
- Superlative
- most experimental
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The students built an _____ car that runs on very little fuel.
Etymology
From experiment + the adjective ending -al.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for experimental
mental
dental
rental
parental
Oriental
elemental
accidental
ornamental
judgmental
incidental
monumental
regimental
See all rhymes for experimental →
Frequently asked questions
What does “experimental” mean?
The word “experimental” means based on or used for testing new ideas; not yet proven or standard. In plain terms, something new and untested, done to see if it works.
How do you pronounce “experimental”?
“Experimental” is pronounced ihks-peh-ruh-MEHN-tuhl (/ɪkspɛɹəˈmɛntəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “experimental” in a sentence?
Here is “experimental” used in a sentence: “The hospital is trying an experimental treatment for the disease.”
What part of speech is “experimental”?
“Experimental” is an adjective.
Is “experimental” a common word?
“Experimental” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between "experimental" and "empirical"?
"Experimental" describes something based on testing new, unproven ideas, while "empirical" describes knowledge gained from observation or experience rather than theory. An experimental treatment is still being tested, whereas empirical evidence is data already gathered from the real world.
What is the difference between "experimental" and "innovative"?
"Experimental" stresses that something is being tried out and is not yet proven or standard, so it may still fail. "Innovative" emphasises that something is new and inventive, usually with a more positive, successful connotation.
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