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

By providing real-time address-level availability, Compare Internet tries to take some of the guesswork out of finding a provider in your area who satisfies your needs. —Felysha Walker, Kansas City Star, 11 Mar. 2026

For more casual workplaces, a pair of classic Converse sneakers can take the guesswork out of finding the right pair of shoes to wear with a great dress or skirt set. —Amber Rambharose, InStyle, 11 Mar. 2026

For the landscaping team, this plan eliminates guesswork, minimizes mid-project changes, and keeps the entire process running smoothly. —Katie Strasberg Rousso, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026

This thermal guesswork ends today with the introduction of microscopic, on-chip thermometers to monitor this microscopic chaos from the inside out. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 6 Mar. 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