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

While the bliss of a spa treatment will eventually wear off and shore excursions can be hit-or-miss, paying for a balcony cabin stands out as one of the most reliable cruise upgrades. — Kristy Tolley, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2026

While the storms have been hit-or-miss about who is actually seeing the wet weather, Southeast Michigan has another chance on Wednesday, where some of us could see some action. — Karen Carter, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Adverb

The Downsized Essentials Hotel toiletries can be hit or miss, and there’s no guarantee your accommodations will even provide the basics. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026

With Disney serving as popular culture’s foremost purveyor of such retreads, the formula for what makes a live-action remake hit or miss with audiences could hardly seem less formulaic. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 14 July 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