on spec

phrase

1
: without having a definite buyer or customer but with the hope or expectation of finding one when work is completed
He built the house on spec.
She wrote the script on spec.
2
chiefly British : without being sure of success but with the hope of success
He wrote to the company on spec, hoping for a job.

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Cite this Entry

“On spec.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20spec. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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