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 brand believes that clean beauty should be readily accessible to all, delivering a range of gentle, vegan, and cruelty-free cosmetics that take the guesswork out of caring for your complexion. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Oct. 2025 Eliminate the guesswork of when and where your dinner will happen for the group. Malaka Gharib, NPR, 17 Oct. 2025 Those settings adjust automatically to your hair texture, taking the guesswork out of daily styling. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2025 The side brush reaching into corners is clutch, and detergent auto-dosing saves guesswork. PC Magazine, 15 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 22 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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