ballpark figure
Meaning
A rough numerical estimate or approximate cost/amount, not a precise or final number.
Origin
From baseball: a “ballpark” is a stadium, and “in the ballpark” came to mean “within an acceptable range.” “Ballpark figure” extended this to approximate numbers.
Notes
Neutral, practical tone meaning an approximate estimate. Common in business/planning; implies the number may change. Avoid using it when a precise quote or final figure is required.
Examples
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Can you give me a ballpark figure for how much the repairs will cost?
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We don’t need the exact number yet—just a ballpark figure to plan the budget.
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The contractor said a ballpark figure would be around $20,000, depending on materials.
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I asked for a ballpark figure on the project timeline, and she said about six weeks.
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Even a ballpark figure would help us decide whether to move forward with the purchase.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a noun phrase: “a ballpark figure,” “the ballpark figure for X.” Often after “give/provide/need,” or with “for/of.” Plural: “ballpark figures.”
Synonyms
- rough estimate
- approximate figure
- guesstimate
- rule-of-thumb estimate
- back-of-the-envelope estimate
Antonyms
- exact figure
- precise estimate
- final figure
- fixed price