hit-or-miss

1 of 2

adjective

ˌhit-ər-ˈmis How to pronounce hit-or-miss (audio)
Synonyms of hit-or-missnext
: marked by a lack of care, forethought, system, or plan
also : hit-and-miss

hit or miss

2 of 2

adverb

: in a hit-or-miss manner : haphazardly

Synonyms of hit-or-miss

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Adjective

Adverb

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Examples of hit-or-miss in a Sentence

Adjective your hit-or-miss schedule for taking your medication is going to land you in the hospital again Adverb I was learning Spanish hit or miss, mostly just by hearing my friends speak it.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Factor in stubbornly high inflation, sluggish wage growth and a hit-or-miss job market, and many Americans below the very top of the income scale are feeling a lot poorer these days. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026 As for Robert De Niro, the legendary actor doesn’t always take legendary roles these days, and his recent history is very hit-or-miss. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Adverb
The Downsized Essentials Hotel toiletries can be hit or miss, and there’s no guarantee your accommodations will even provide the basics. — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 7 Aug. 2026 With Disney serving as popular culture’s foremost purveyor of such retreads, the formula for what makes a live-action remake hit or miss with audiences could hardly seem less formulaic. — Chris Lee, Vulture, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hit-or-miss

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1669, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1609, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hit-or-miss was in 1609

Rhymes for hit-or-miss

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Browse Nearby Words

hit one's stride
hit-or-miss
hit or miss
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hit-or-miss.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hit-or-miss. Accessed 3 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hit or miss

adverb
: without plan, order, or direction : haphazardly
hit-or-miss
ˌhit-ər-ˈmis
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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