second-guess

American  

[sek-uhnd-ges] / ˈsɛk əndˈgɛs /

verb (used with object)

1. to use hindsight in criticizing or correcting.

2. to predict (something) or outguess (someone).

   We must try to second-guess what he'll do next.

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second-guess British  

verb

1. to criticize or evaluate with hindsight

2. to attempt to anticipate or predict (a person or thing)

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Other Word Forms

• second-guesser noun

Etymology

Origin of second-guess

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

I’ve rehearsed how this conversation would go a few times, but now I’m second-guessing myself again.

From Literature

These fiduciaries are to be judged by the process they use to select investment alternatives, not second-guessed in hindsight.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Iran conflict has investors second-guessing one of the world’s crucial safe-haven assets.

From MarketWatch

The Iran conflict has investors second-guessing one of the world’s crucial safe-haven assets.

From The Wall Street Journal

Umpires are already howling about being second-guessed in public, no surprise there.

From The Wall Street Journal