hit-or-miss

1 of 2

adjective

Synonyms of hit-or-missnext
: 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

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
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.
Adjective
The coverage of showers and storms looks hit-or-miss. Cutter Martin, CBS News, 10 Apr. 2026 To run the table, Fearne would need the two-man game of Mingo and Anton Bonke to feast on smaller defenders, wing Arden Conyers to continue his late-season stride, and the hit-or-miss game of Damoni Harrison to fire on all cylinders. Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2026
Adverb
The Eagles, unfortunately, have been hit or miss over the years. Rick Armstrong, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026 The area can expected hit or miss showers and thunderestorms. Elainie Colton, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hit-or-miss

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1669, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hit-or-miss was in 1609

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Hit-or-miss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hit-or-miss. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

hit or miss

adverb
: without plan, order, or direction : haphazardly
hit-or-miss
ˌhit-ər-ˈmis
adjective
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