hit-or-miss

[hit-er-mis]

adjective

1. careless; inattentive; haphazard.

   The professor criticized the hit-or-miss quality of our research.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hit or miss¹

First recorded in 1600–10

Idioms and Phrases

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

Example Sentences

There are efforts afoot to standardize protocols for clots, so the chances of landing a proper diagnosis and quick treatment aren’t so hit-or-miss.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Teachers were supposed to have special training, as any special-ed teacher would, but it seemed hit-or-miss.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The plot's busy, the visual effects hit-or-miss and its villains are neither potent nor memorable.

Read more on Salon

The Niners have been a hit-or-miss team the past two decades.

Read more on Seattle Times

NFL drafts can be hit-or-miss, but getting it right often pays immediate dividends.

Read more on Washington Times