hit-or-miss

1 of 2

adjective

ˌhit-ər-ˈmis 

: marked by a lack of care, forethought, system, or plan

also : hit-and-miss

hit or miss

2 of 2

adverb

: in a hit-or-miss manner : haphazardly

Synonyms of hit-or-miss

Adjective

• random
• scattered
• arbitrary
• erratic

Adverb

• randomly

Examples of hit-or-miss in a Sentence

Adjective

your hit-or-miss schedule for taking your medication is going to land you in the hospital again

Adverb

I was learning Spanish hit or miss, mostly just by hearing my friends speak it.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Steven Conrad’s particular brand of absurdity and plucky dark humor has been hit-or-miss for me, even as it has been boosted by the strength of Jason Bateman, David Harbour, and Linda Cardellini. —Andy Andersen, Vulture, 13 Apr. 2026

The coverage of showers and storms looks hit-or-miss. —Cutter Martin, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026

Adverb

And so far it’s been hit or miss. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026

The showers will be of the hit or miss variety with most neighborhoods remaining dry. —Steven Sosna, CBS News, 16 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1669, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1609, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hit-or-miss

• reminisce
• abyss
• amiss
• chlamys
• dismiss
• premiss
• remiss
• bis
• bliss
• criss
• dis
• diss

Kids Definition

hit or miss

adverb

: without plan, order, or direction : haphazardly

hit-or-miss

ˌhit-ər-ˈmis

adjective