guesswork

noun

guess·​work ˈges-ˌwərk How to pronounce guesswork (audio)
: 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
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.
The universal shade takes the guesswork out of shade matching. Deanna Pai, Allure, 23 Oct. 2025 Despite Canales’ reticence, there’s little guesswork involved. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Oct. 2025 There will be some guesswork involved in both of these swaps, but overall, working by taste should lead you down the right path. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025 By taking the guesswork out of each stage of the dining experience, your only responsibility is to enjoy the meal. Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for guesswork

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guesswork was in 1725

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Cite this Entry

“Guesswork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guesswork. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

guesswork

noun
guess·​work -ˌwərk How to pronounce guesswork (audio)
: work performed or results gotten by guessing

More from Merriam-Webster on guesswork

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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