guesswork

Everyday

Finding an answer by guessing, without enough facts or careful working out. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and science lessons teachers say «show your working, not guesswork»: answers need reasons, measurements or calculations. In everyday life weather, cooking without a recipe or finding your way without a map may involve guesswork. Phrases: pure guesswork, a lot of guesswork, take the guesswork out of.

Examples

• My answer was pure guesswork, but it was right! tree →
• A recipe takes the guesswork out of baking. tree →
• Science uses evidence, not guesswork. tree →
• Without a map, finding the path was guesswork. tree →
• The teacher said, «I want calculations, not guesswork.» tree →
• Weather forecasts used to involve much more guesswork. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «a lot of guesswork», not «a guesswork». One word. Different from an estimate, which is a sensible guess based on facts.