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 keeping with this sentiment, the Duchess is offering accessible, beginner-friendly baking essentials that take the guesswork out and leave the love and fancy in. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Mar. 2025 Market research removes the guesswork and connects you directly with what your audience actually wants. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Veteran Forbes travel writer Lewis Nunn recommends taking the guesswork out of the equation and traveling with Unforgettable Croatia, a luxury tour operator that offers small yacht cruises throughout the Adriatic. Passport By Forbeslife, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025 Those translations, done by a relatively few individuals who know the language, required a lot of labor — and perhaps some guesswork. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 5 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Guesswork.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guesswork. Accessed 18 Apr. 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

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