Hit-or-miss

Describing something done or occurring in a haphazard or irregular way; lacking a consistent pattern or predictability. It suggests a method or outcome where success is uncertain and dependent more on chance than on careful planning or skill. Results are varied, ranging from fortunate occurrences to unfortunate failures, reflecting a lack of reliability and a tendency toward inconsistent performance.

Hit-or-miss meaning with examples

• The restaurant's service was frustratingly hit-or-miss. Some nights, the staff was attentive and efficient, while on others, orders were incorrect and the wait times were excessively long. Customers could never reliably anticipate a positive dining experience.
• Their marketing campaign employed a hit-or-miss strategy. Some advertisements resonated with the target audience and boosted sales, while others fell flat, wasting valuable resources and failing to generate any measurable impact or interest.
• The quality of the online retailer's products was disturbingly hit-or-miss. Some items arrived in perfect condition, as advertised, while others were damaged or completely different from the product description, frustrating customers.
• The weather in the region is notoriously hit-or-miss. You could experience a sunny day followed by a torrential downpour, making it very difficult to plan outdoor activities with any certainty or dependability.