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.
Philips Sonicare Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush The Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush is slim, comfortable to hold, and takes the guesswork out of thorough cleaning. Ali Faccenda, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024 Prose takes the guesswork out of shopping for hair care products. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 28 Nov. 2024 That’s worth keeping in mind as popular investment media fixates on trying to pick winners and losers, based on election forecasts that at this point amount to little more than guesswork. Moneyshow, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 That takes a lot of the guesswork out of knowing whether an item will complement your character's abilities. Omar L. Gallaga, WIRED, 29 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near guesswork

Cite this Entry

“Guesswork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guesswork. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!