crapshoot

[krap-shoot] / ˈkræpˌʃut /

NOUN

big chance

Synonyms

STRONG

risk

WEAK

iffy proposition risky business shot in the dark spin of the roulette wheel

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ask any job applicant or manager about the hiring process today, and he or she will probably say the same thing: It’s pretty much a crapshoot.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026

Until then, a bet on Fannie and Freddie’s common stocks is essentially a crapshoot.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

The crapshoot of a 162-game season and unpredictable playoff format still looms too, especially for a team that frequently faltered in the postseason before finally prevailing last October.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 5, 2025

And though the draft is always a crapshoot, all teams get a better feel for the market of draftees at the NFL scouting combine, which will be held Feb. 26-March 4.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2024

Fringe theatergoing is a crapshoot; that’s pretty much a rule.

From New York Times • Sep. 1, 2023