guesstimate

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'guesstimate' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used as a noun to describe an approximate calculation or estimate, usually one made without the use of precise data. For example, "We made a guesstimate of how much would be needed for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

That is based on a guesstimate of the drop in output that might result from even a small deforestation-related decline in precipitation.

The Economist

California, for example, has a high unemployment rate but a home vacancy rate slightly below the national average and many states such as Wisconsin have plenty of unemployment but a very low home vacancy rate.Here's a chart:Mr Tabarrok concludes, "My guesstimate is 50% AD, 25% sticky prices, 25% structural".

The Economist

After three years of surplus, the government's finances will be in deficit for the rest of Mr Bush's first term, and the guesstimate for the longer-term surplus is melting away.

The Economist

But the impacts figure is nothing more than a guesstimate, as the number of people known for sure to have been killed by asteroids is, well, zero.

The New Yorker

To make the negative mold of Golda's face, I surround my desk with photographs of her, and I get out my clay and make a guesstimate.

The New Yorker

When the measuring cap that comes with the medicine bottle gets gooey and gummed up, the temptation is to grab a kitchen spoon to guesstimate a teaspoon's worth of liquid medicine.

The New York Times - Health

Once you're airborne, just tell WindowSeat when you took off, and it will guesstimate your position on its map.

The New York Times

Though Ms. Whitney said her prediction was based on "a guesstimate," she hasn't backed down.

The New York Times

"I have yet to see a standard that I believe is anything more than a guesstimate," said the Republican pollster Whit Ayres, adding that he believed the industry would soon shift toward Internet surveys.

The New York Times

An early guesstimate on my part had us breaking even financially after five years.

The New York Times

"Our guesstimate is that, when we add up all the museums, the revenue to be gained is in the millions of dollars," Mr. Johnson said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "guesstimate", acknowledge the inherent uncertainty by stating the assumptions or data it's based on. This adds credibility even when precision is lacking.

Common error

Avoid presenting a "guesstimate" as a definitive figure. Use qualifying language such as "approximately", "roughly", or "in the range of" to maintain transparency about the estimation's accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "guesstimate" is as both a noun, referring to an estimate based largely on guesswork, and a verb, meaning to make such an estimate. Ludwig AI confirms this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "guesstimate" functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting an approximate calculation based on limited or unreliable data. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While "guesstimate" is prevalent in news and media, its suitability for formal writing is limited. For formal contexts, alternatives such as "rough estimate" or "educated guess" might be more appropriate. When employing "guesstimate", it’s crucial to acknowledge its inherent uncertainty and avoid presenting it as a definitive figure. Ultimately, "guesstimate" serves as a useful term for conveying approximations, especially when precision is unattainable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Rough estimate

This term implies a less precise calculation, focusing on the broad approximation rather than accuracy.

Ballpark figure

This suggests an estimate that is close to the actual value, but not exact, often used in informal contexts.

Back-of-the-envelope calculation

This refers to a quick, informal calculation done without precise data or tools.

Educated guess

This emphasizes that the estimate is based on some knowledge or experience, making it more informed than a random guess.

Approximate calculation

This highlights the inexact nature of the calculation, focusing on its estimated rather than precise quality.

Preliminary estimate

This indicates that the estimate is subject to change as more information becomes available.

Working hypothesis

This suggests a tentative explanation or estimate used as a basis for further investigation or action.

Order of magnitude estimate

This implies an estimate that is accurate to the nearest power of ten, often used in scientific contexts.

Rule-of-thumb estimate

This refers to an estimate based on a practical, easily learned procedure, not necessarily precise.

In the neighborhood of

This suggests an approximation that is close to a certain value, without specifying the exact amount.

FAQs

How do you use "guesstimate" in a sentence?

You can use "guesstimate" as a noun or a verb. As a noun: "The budget was based on a guesstimate." As a verb: "We had to guesstimate the costs for the project."

What's the difference between a "guesstimate" and an estimate?

An estimate is typically based on some data or analysis, while a "guesstimate" implies a more informal calculation with limited reliable data, making it closer to an educated guess.

What can I say instead of "guesstimate"?

You can use alternatives like "rough estimate", "ballpark figure", or "educated guess" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "guesstimate" in formal writing?

While "guesstimate" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise terms like "estimate", "approximation", or "projection".