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scattershot

American  
[skat-er-shot] / ˈskæt ərˌʃɒt /

adjective

  1. delivered over a wide area and at random; generalized and indiscriminate.

    a scattershot attack on the proposed program.


scattershot British  
/ ˈskætəˌʃɒt /

adjective

  1. random; haphazard

    their approach to conservation is scattershot and unscientific

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of scattershot

First recorded in 1960–65; adj. use of scatter shot

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He spoke with reporters from The Atlantic, the Washington Post, Axios, the New York Times, ABC News and other media outlets, offering a scattershot array of justifications and timelines.

From Salon

Much of this kind of scattershot viewing can be a result of training.

From The Wall Street Journal

Meanwhile, the scattershot green spaces across Los Angeles offer another opportunity.

From Los Angeles Times

Up to now, the policy has been haphazardly applied, through scattershot raids on locations such as Home Depot parking lots.

From Los Angeles Times

He’s not a scattershot but he’s not exact.

From Los Angeles Times