Guesswork

usgb/ˈɡeswɜːrk/
noun

The act of trying to find out or predict something when you don't have enough information.

Without the necessary data, their conclusions are just guesswork.
Visual representation of "guesswork" - The act of trying to find out or predict something when you don't have enough information

Often appears as...

  • pure guesswork
  • educated guesswork

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "guesswork"
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Lack of Certainty

Used when there is uncertainty and not enough facts to predict with confidence.

Illustration for Lack of Certainty
I didn't see who took it, so naming a suspect would be guesswork.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Informed Versus Pure

Distinguish between 'educated guesswork', based on some knowledge, and 'pure guesswork', based on none.

Illustration for Informed Versus Pure
Choosing the answer was educated guesswork, as I recalled some of the lesson.
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Negative Connotation

'Guesswork' often implies a lack of professionalism or thoroughness in the task.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
They frowned upon the guesswork in the report, preferring clear evidence.
Word comparison image

Compare with

assumptionconjectureestimatorhypothesisspeculatesuppositionsurmisetheory
Visual representation of the word "Guesswork"

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