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.
In this latest study, the ANU team has aimed to take the guesswork out of diffusing a hurricane's power, and used comprehensive geophysical models to demonstrate how tiny particles of varied shapes can fundamentally alter a storm's ability to grow. New Atlas, 22 June 2025 American Pilots Are Backing Israel’s Drone Defense, Netanyahu Says New Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Upgrade Now Makes Sense A growing number of startups are taking the guesswork out of visual design as well. Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 Follow Manufacturer's Guidelines The easiest way to take the guesswork out of knowing how to care for your pans? Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 June 2025 Now technology takes out most of the pesky guesswork. Matthew Korfhage, Wired News, 14 June 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 1 Jul. 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

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