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.
But that’s just my guesswork based on experience with a wide range of Mercedes subsystems. Mark Ewing, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025 With this must-have book, Paris Woods takes the guesswork out of wealth-building and presents a plan that anyone can follow. Essence, 7 Aug. 2025 While HelloFresh certainly took the guesswork out of making a delicious midweek meal and saved me hours in the shop-and-prep department, the cooking process—i.e., timing from start to finish—was slightly less predictable. Betty Gold Kider, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Aug. 2025 Artificial intelligence can sift through vast amounts of data and turn it into reliable guesswork. Tony Milligan, Space.com, 3 Aug. 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 19 Aug. 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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