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
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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 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 This long-wear undereye brightener takes the guesswork out of it for you and comes in four brightening shades: light rose, warm nude, toffee, and mocha hues. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 7 Mar. 2025 Yet some things are more certain than others, the most important of these factors being the ones that are on solid footing beneath all of the guesswork. Gordon Feller, Ars Technica, 6 Feb. 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 16 Mar. 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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