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.
There are also deals on matching furniture sets that take the guesswork out of furnishing a deck, patio, or backyard. Isabel Garcia, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025 Garrett takes the guesswork out of it and pairs an in-prime defensive star on the same timeline as their star and franchise quarterback. Joe Buscaglia, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025 Surround View Monitor helped take the guesswork out of maneuvering into tight spaces, Rodriguez said. Melanie Marshall, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2025 To take the guesswork out, shop the bedding guide by color. Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 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 3 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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