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

The gestures required to shape a stone tool were precise and difficult to learn through guesswork alone. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026

Failing could result in disconnected tactics, rising costs and growth that feels like guesswork. — Jake Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Fashion-watchers looking for hints on which trends will dominate between now and the Oscars next March will still have some guesswork to do. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2026

Every check comes back with risk indicators and supporting evidence, so deciding what to do next doesn’t require much guesswork. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 13 Sep. 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