guesswork

noun

guess·​work ˈges-ˌwərk 

: work performed or results obtained by guess : conjecture

Examples of guesswork in a Sentence

Calculating the drug's long-term effects is pure guesswork.

Recent Examples on the Web

Some of these interview subjects are performers, or at least people with years of experience talking to the press or appearing in the public eye, which forces viewers to engage in guesswork. — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Nov. 2026

And so this particular network medicine toolset points to a future where that guesswork is taken out. — Quanta Magazine, 12 Nov. 2026

When software is granted the authority to execute decisions autonomously, the underlying infrastructure can no longer rely on guesswork. — Filip Popovic, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Amazon’s end-of-month clothing deals include cozy lounge sets that take the guesswork out of airport outfits, plus cashmere-blend sweaters and easygoing travel pants that balance comfort with polish. — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for guesswork

• artwork
• beadwork
• berserk
• breastwork
• brickwork
• brushwork
• casework
• classwork
• clockwork
• coursework
• ductwork
• earthwork

Kids Definition

guesswork

noun

guess·​work -ˌwərk 

: work performed or results gotten by guessing