guesswork

noun

guess·​work ˈges-ˌwərk How to pronounce guesswork (audio)
: work performed or results obtained by guess : conjecture

Examples of guesswork in a Sentence

Calculating the drug's long-term effects is pure guesswork.
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.
In a constrained environment, good data is often the difference between guesswork and strategy. Rob Almond, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025 That certainly could happen, but with tariffs and their impact shifting day-to-day, putting any number on the revenue impacts is nothing more than guesswork. Dan Walters, Oc Register, 22 May 2025 Founded to cut through greenwash and guesswork, GenuTrace uses science—not slogans—to help brands verify the origin, authenticity and integrity of their materials. Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 20 May 2025 Smarter, More Relevant Ad Targeting Media networks can take the guesswork out of digital advertising. Greg Brunk, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for guesswork

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of guesswork was in 1725

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Guesswork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guesswork. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

guesswork

noun
guess·​work -ˌwərk How to pronounce guesswork (audio)
: work performed or results gotten by guessing

More from Merriam-Webster on guesswork

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!