Scattergun

A 'scattergun' approach or method is characterized by its lack of precision and its tendency to be widely dispersed or unfocused. It involves aiming broadly, attempting to achieve a result by affecting a large area or population without targeting specific individuals or issues. This often results in inefficiency as a significant amount of resources are expended without a guaranteed outcome. The term highlights a lack of strategic planning and a reliance on volume rather than targeted impact. A scattergun strategy usually indicates a lack of careful consideration in its selection or implementation. It can also be applied to styles, techniques or weaponry. The intention is often to cover as much ground or inflict damage as broadly as possible. Ultimately it lacks refinement.

Scattergun meaning with examples

• The marketing team took a scattergun approach to their latest campaign, sending generic advertisements to every email address they could find. This broad strategy proved expensive and ineffective, as few customers responded. They had not sufficiently researched their demographic so their efforts mostly missed the target and only generated a small number of sales.
• The politician's policy proposals seemed scattergun, addressing a wide range of issues with little apparent coherence or priority. While some praised their commitment to addressing multifaceted challenges, many critics viewed the lack of focus as a sign of superficiality and an inability to concentrate resources effectively, leaving voters feeling unsure.
• The amateur chef employed a scattergun approach in the kitchen, throwing every spice and herb into the dish without careful consideration. The resulting flavor was a muddled, unpleasant mess. They did not have the fine-tuned skill to control the complex flavors needed for a balanced plate.
• The detective's investigation took a scattergun approach, interviewing numerous witnesses and following countless leads, many of which proved fruitless. His team was overwhelmed by data, and struggled to separate the pertinent facts from the superfluous information. This delayed the solving of the crime.