# guesswork

/ˈɡɛsˌwɝk/ (US) · /ɡˈɛswɜːk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/guesswork
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.