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

Magic Capture takes the guesswork out of when to press the shutter button. — ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026

Taking the guesswork out of watering leads to healthier plants and less water waste, making gardening less stressful. — Gretchen M. Stone, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026

Put your sources in a common language, and a margin once based on guesswork can become a figure. — Udam Dewaraja, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Predictable routines take the guesswork out of a stressful hour. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 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