hit-or-miss

1 of 2

adjective

ˌhit-ər-ˈmis 

: 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

Adjective

• random
• scattered
• arbitrary
• erratic

Adverb

• randomly

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

Adjective

The extra software gimmicks, however, remain a bit hit-or-miss. — New Atlas, 22 Sep. 2026

The problem is that those splash plays and big weeks usually happen on fantasy benches because Shaheed is far too hit-or-miss (or miss or miss) to be counted on as more than a desperation play. — Gary Davenport, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Adverb

Sound tends to be hit or miss for outdoor shows as there’s nothing to contain the noise. — Rashad Alexander october 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2026

Venice Fanfare The Venice Film Festival can be hit or miss in terms of launching a movie into the mainstream. — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1669, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1609, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hit-or-miss

• reminisce
• abyss
• amiss
• chlamys
• dismiss
• premiss
• remiss
• bis
• bliss
• criss
• dis
• diss

Kids Definition

hit or miss

adverb

: without plan, order, or direction : haphazardly

hit-or-miss

ˌhit-ər-ˈmis

adjective