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

Companies need access to senior-level financial judgment when the stakes become too high for guesswork. — Loran Armstrong, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Adjustable mattresses were meant to make some of that guesswork easier, but the category has long been associated with airbeds that change firmness by increasing or decreasing pressure inside the mattress. — Malana Vantyler, Miami Herald, 30 Sep. 2026

Eisenberg streamlines the ingredients and steps, taking the will-it-or-won’t-it-scale guesswork out of baking recipes. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026

This guide takes the guesswork out of when to use hot water to wash towels. — Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 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