accuracy
Americannoun
plural
accuracies-
the condition or quality of being true, correct, or exact; freedom from error or defect; precision or exactness; correctness.
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Chemistry, Physics. the extent to which a given measurement agrees with the standard value for that measurement.
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Mathematics. the degree of correctness of a quantity, expression, etc.
noun
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faithful measurement or representation of the truth; correctness; precision
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physics chem the degree of agreement between a measured or computed value of a physical quantity and the standard or accepted value for that quantity
Other Word Forms
- hyperaccuracy noun
Etymology
Origin of accuracy
First recorded in 1655–65; accur(ate) + -acy
Explanation
Accuracy refers to a lack of mistakes or errors. "I type very fast, but the accuracy of my typing is n't very goode." Accuracy is a must for anyone who works in a precise profession. Would you trust a surgeon who lacks accuracy to remove your appendix? His lack of precision might result in the accidental removal of your spleen. A meteorologist with questionable accuracy isn't going to be popular either, especially when it rains every time he predicts a sunny day.
Vocabulary lists containing accuracy
The Scientific Method
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Common Core Grades 7–8, List 1
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Word Generation Science - Measurement
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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.
The company promises Ising will deliver up to three times higher accuracy for the decoding process central to quantum error correction.
From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026
While the firms vary on timelines, they generally agree that AI agents will increasingly handle routine testing—such as payroll and expense vouching—to improve efficiency and data accuracy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
To ensure accuracy, researchers focused only on artificial light sources.
From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026
More corners, more crosses, more passes - and with better passing accuracy.
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
His quickness and accuracy at first entertained Ophelia, but she began to wonder why he couldn’t miss once in a while, allowing her a chance to correct him.
From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
