1. the act of taking random or casual shots, especially with a firearm, without careful aim or planning
Usage: informal
2. the practice of making sporadic, often critical comments or attacks on someone or something without sustained effort or serious intent
Usage: informal; figurative

1. to shoot at something in a random or careless manner without careful aim
Usage: informal
2. to make sporadic or casual critical remarks or attacks without sustained engagement
Usage: informal; figurative

Examples

• The hunters were potshotting at birds in the field rather than pursuing a specific target.
• He spent the afternoon potshotting at cans with his air rifle.
• Critics have been potshotting at the new policy without offering constructive alternatives.
• Instead of a thorough review, the committee was just potshotting at various aspects of the proposal.
• The team's strategy fell apart when they started potshotting instead of executing their game plan.
• She disliked potshotting at her opponent's ideas; she preferred substantive debate.