field trial: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “field trial” mean?
A practical test of a new product, method, or piece of equipment conducted in a real-world environment, outside of a laboratory or controlled setting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A practical test of a new product, method, or piece of equipment conducted in a real-world environment, outside of a laboratory or controlled setting.
1. A competitive event for gun dogs, especially pointers and retrievers, to test their working ability in simulated hunting conditions. 2. (Historical/Legal) A preliminary hearing or examination of evidence in a case, often held at the location of the alleged incident.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the context of dog competitions, 'field trial' is the standard term in both varieties. In product development, 'field test' is a more common synonym in American English, while 'field trial' remains standard in British technical and agricultural contexts.
Connotations
In British English, 'field trial' strongly connotes agricultural or environmental science (e.g., crop trials). In American business English, 'beta test' or 'pilot program' may be more frequent for software/hardware.
Frequency
More frequent in British English, particularly in agricultural, scientific, and sporting registers. In American English, its use is more narrowly focused on dog sports and specific technical sectors (e.g., pharmaceuticals, military equipment).
Grammar
How to Use “field trial” in a Sentence
The [PRODUCT] underwent field trials in [LOCATION].They conducted field trials of/on [PRODUCT/SUBJECT].The field trial demonstrated that [RESULT].The [ORGANISATION] is running a field trial.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “field trial” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The team plans to field-trial the new sensor network in coastal regions.
- The vaccine was field-trialled across several counties.
American English
- We need to field-test the equipment before full deployment.
- The methodology was field-tested in three different states.
adverb
British English
- The system performed well field-trial-wise.
- The product was assessed field-trial-ready.
American English
- The prototype performed admirably during field testing.
- The software is not yet field-ready.
adjective
British English
- The field-trial data was conclusive.
- They reviewed the field-trial phase results.
American English
- The field-test results came back positive.
- He is the field-test coordinator for the project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new software update will enter a field trial with select enterprise clients next quarter.
Academic
The research paper's conclusions were based on data gathered during a three-year field trial of the irrigation technique.
Everyday
Our local council is running a field trial for the new food waste collection bins.
Technical
The prototype's field trial under Arctic conditions revealed several material stress failures.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “field trial”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “field trial”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “field trial”
- Using 'field trial' as a verb (incorrect: 'We will field trial the device.' Correct: 'We will conduct a field trial of the device.' or 'We will field-test the device.').
- Confusing it with 'clinical trial' (which is specifically for medical treatments on patients).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A field trial is conducted in a real-world, uncontrolled environment to see how something performs under normal conditions. A lab test is conducted in a controlled, artificial environment to isolate specific variables.
Not in standard usage. The correct verbal form is 'to field-test' (e.g., 'We need to field-test the prototype'). 'Field trial' is primarily a noun.
No. A clinical trial is a specific type of research study that tests medical interventions (like drugs or devices) on human participants. A field trial is broader and can apply to agriculture, technology, ecology, etc., and is not exclusively medical.
It originates from hunting, where dogs were tested ('tried') in the field (their natural working environment) to evaluate their breeding, training, and instinctual abilities against a standard.
A practical test of a new product, method, or piece of equipment conducted in a real-world environment, outside of a laboratory or controlled setting.
Field trial is usually formal / technical in register.
Field trial: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfiːld ˌtraɪəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfild ˌtraɪ(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To put something through its paces (related concept).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a scientist leaving the LAB (controlled) to go into the FIELD (real world) to TRIAL (test) their invention.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY (e.g., 'The product is ready to go into field trials.').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the phrase 'field trial' LEAST likely be used?