hit-or-miss

1 of 2

adjective

ˌhit-ər-ˈmis How to pronounce hit-or-miss (audio)
Synonyms of hit-or-missnext
: marked by a lack of care, forethought, system, or plan
also : hit-and-miss

hit or miss

2 of 2

adverb

: in a hit-or-miss manner : haphazardly

Synonyms of hit-or-miss

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Adjective

Adverb

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Examples of hit-or-miss in a Sentence

Adjective your hit-or-miss schedule for taking your medication is going to land you in the hospital again Adverb I was learning Spanish hit or miss, mostly just by hearing my friends speak it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Though, storms will be hit-or-miss. — Cutter Martin, CBS News, 8 June 2026 Their draft selections have been hit-or-miss. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026
Adverb
Of course, ports can be hit or miss. — ArsTechnica, 28 May 2026 Storms will be hit or miss, so many neighborhoods will stay dry. — Steven Sosna, CBS News, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hit-or-miss

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1669, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hit-or-miss was in 1609

Rhymes for hit-or-miss

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Browse Nearby Words

hit one's stride
hit-or-miss
hit or miss
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hit-or-miss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hit-or-miss. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hit or miss

adverb
: without plan, order, or direction : haphazardly
hit-or-miss
ˌhit-ər-ˈmis
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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