hit-or-miss

[ hit-er-mis ]

/ ˈhɪt ərˈmɪs /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for hit-or-miss on Thesaurus.com

adjective

careless; inattentive; haphazard: The professor criticized the hit-or-miss quality of our research.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of hit-or-miss

First recorded in 1600–10

How to use hit-or-miss in a sentence

Her occasional sketches are hit-or-miss, best when they have some sly subtext.
Chelsea Handler: Leno's Naughty Rival|Caryn James|April 29, 2009|DAILY BEAST
It probes around more or less hit-or-miss until it locates something, somewhere, that looks habitable.
Circus|Alan Edward Nourse
We had made a wise choice, though on a hit-or-miss formula, and we were content.
The Automobilist Abroad|M. F. (Milburg Francisco) Mansfield
He told his stories with a hit-or-miss air, as if accustomed to people of rapid apprehension.
Thomas Moore|Stephen Gwynn

He enjoyed life and wasted no time on trivial worries, hit-or-miss, the keynote to his thought.
Marse Henry (Vol. 2)|Henry Watterson
A competitive game which is easy to manage is hit-or-miss illustrating.
What Shall We Do Now?: Five Hundred Games and Pastimes|Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Other Idioms and Phrases with hit-or-miss

hit or miss

Haphazardly, at random. For example, She took dozens of photos, hit or miss, hoping that some would be good. [c. 1600]

hit-or-miss

Origin of hit-or-miss

Words related to hit-or-miss

How to use hit-or-miss in a sentence

Other Idioms and Phrases with hit-or-miss