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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

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

From Seattle Times

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

From Washington Times

Harris: Both clubs are similar, with talented rotations backed up by hit-or-miss offenses.

From Los Angeles Times