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.

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scattershot British  

/ ˈskætəˌʃɒt /

adjective

1. random; haphazard

   their approach to conservation is scattershot and unscientific

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Etymology

Origin of scattershot

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

Example Sentences

CEO Sam Altman has described this scattershot approach as “betting on a series of startups” inside his own company.

From The Wall Street Journal

“You said there are thirty-four names. Running around Baltimore trying to track down thirty-four families… it’s scattershot. And it would take forever.”

From Literature

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