Word
ballpark
Phoneticsball·park, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈbɔɫˌpɑɹk/
UK/bˈɔːlpɑːk/
Countable noun Informal
Definition
n. a range or area that is close to the right amount or number. You use it when you are guessing but want to be nearly correct.
n. an approximate range or area of precision, especially regarding numerical estimates. Often used in business contexts to indicate a figure is a reasonable guess.
Examples
“Give me a ballpark figure for the repairs.”
“We don't need the exact budget today, but we need to be in the right ballpark before the meeting.”
“While the final costs will depend on the specific materials chosen, the initial quote provides a ballpark that allows the committee to decide if the project is feasible.”
Examples
simple
“Give me a ballpark figure for the repairs.”
contextual
“We don't need the exact budget today, but we need to be in the right ballpark before the meeting.”
complex
“While the final costs will depend on the specific materials chosen, the initial quote provides a ballpark that allows the committee to decide if the project is feasible.”
Usage
Commonly used in the idiomatic phrases 'in the ballpark' or 'ballpark figure'.
Real-World Examples
“That’s not perfect, but it is at least in the right ballpark.” Etymology
From ball + park. Sense 2 related to ballpark figure.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/ballpark