Word
guesswork
Phoneticsguess·work, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɛsˌwɝk/
UK/ɡˈɛswɜːk/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the act of trying to find an answer or make a decision without having all the facts. You use this when you are taking a chance or making an educated guess.
n. the process of forming a conclusion or making a decision based on incomplete information or intuition. Often implies a lack of certainty or the use of probability rather than evidence.
Examples
“I don't want to rely on guesswork to pass the test.”
“The detective solved the case without any guesswork, using only the physical evidence found at the scene.”
“While some investors prefer to follow market trends, others rely on guesswork and gut feelings, often leading to volatile and unpredictable financial outcomes.”
Examples
simple
“I don't want to rely on guesswork to pass the test.”
contextual
“The detective solved the case without any guesswork, using only the physical evidence found at the scene.”
complex
“While some investors prefer to follow market trends, others rely on guesswork and gut feelings, often leading to volatile and unpredictable financial outcomes.”
Real-World Examples
“To build an unbiased and accurate method without relying on guesswork, the researchers analyzed broad vocabulary patterns across a massive collection of scientific literature.” “Many details have been revealed since that early, excited guesswork.” Etymology
From guess + work. Compare Dutch giswerk (“guesswork”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- 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
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/guesswork