on spec
idiom
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.
Examples of on spec in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Nghệ was freelancing on spec and had NBC accreditation.
—
Gary Knight, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
These decisions are not based on spec sheets or press releases, but derived from time behind the wheel with each (save for a couple of outliers).
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 11 June 2025
Other upgrades, like energy efficiency and smart features, can also offer an upside in value.
Bonus: Builders are sitting on spec inventory.
—Ryan Serhant, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
The annual builder’s show will relocate permanently to Las Vegas in 2027.
1 of 5
These homes are usually built on spec by local high-end home builders, then sold after the convention.
—Laura Kinsler, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for on spec
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Gary Knight, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2025
These decisions are not based on spec sheets or press releases, but derived from time behind the wheel with each (save for a couple of outliers).
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 11 June 2025
Other upgrades, like energy efficiency and smart features, can also offer an upside in value.
Bonus: Builders are sitting on spec inventory.
—Ryan Serhant, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
The annual builder’s show will relocate permanently to Las Vegas in 2027.
1 of 5
These homes are usually built on spec by local high-end home builders, then sold after the convention.
—Laura Kinsler, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for on spec
Cite this Entry
“On spec.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20spec. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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