Speculative: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to an idea or guess that is based on incomplete information. Often found in contexts involving investments, predictions, or theories.

• The company's business model is highly speculative, relying on future market trends

Commonly used to describe actions or decisions that involve a significant probability of loss or danger. It is often used in everyday situations involving personal safety, finance, or investments.

• Skydiving is considered a risky sport
• Investing in a startup can be very risky

Typically used to describe situations or outcomes that are not known or are unpredictable. It can apply to a wide range of scenarios, from personal decisions to global events.

• The future of the project remains uncertain
• She felt uncertain about her career path

Used when referring to ideas or guesses that are not based on concrete evidence and often involve risk or uncertainty. Typically applied in financial or philosophical contexts.

• Investing in this startup is highly speculative.
• His argument is purely speculative and lacks solid proof.

Applied in situations where assumptions or conclusions are made with little or no evidence, often in academic, scientific, or legal discussions. This term can have a slightly negative nuance, implying uncertainty.

• The scientist's findings remain conjectural until more data is available.
• His theory is conjectural and hasn't been backed by experiments.

Best used when referring to concepts or principles that are founded on theory rather than practical application, common in academic, scientific, or philosophical discussions.

• Her explanation is highly theoretical and needs practical testing.
• Theoretical physics explores concepts that are often hard to visualize.

Utilized when discussing scenarios, conditions, or situations based on imagination rather than reality, often in scientific, academic, or theoretical discussions.

• Let's consider a hypothetical situation where humans can live on Mars.
• The hypothesis was tested under hypothetical conditions.