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

The greatest chance of hit-or-miss storms will be in the mountains. —Cutter Martin, CBS News, 18 May 2026

According to the pro, the lounge experience can be hit-or-miss. —Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 13 May 2026

Adverb

Flow State is a new gameplay dynamic and players were hit or miss on the new feature. —Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Unlike round one, round two will feature rain that is hit or miss in aerial coverage. —Cutter Martin, CBS News, 6 May 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