discrepancy

[ dih-skrep-uhn-see ]

noun

, plural dis·crep·an·cies

1. the state or quality of being discrepant or in disagreement, as by displaying an unexpected or unacceptable difference; inconsistency:

   The discrepancy between the evidence and his account of what happened led to his arrest.

   Synonyms: variance, contrariety, discordance, disagreement, incongruity

2. an instance of difference or inconsistency:

   There are certain discrepancies between the two versions of the story.

   Synonyms: variation

discrepancy

/ dɪˈskrɛpənsɪ /

noun

1. a conflict or variation, as between facts, figures, or claims

Usage

Discrepancy is sometimes wrongly used where disparity is meant. A discrepancy exists between things which ought to be the same; it can be small but is usually significant. A disparity is a large difference between measurable things such as age, rank, or wages

Word History and Origins

Origin of discrepancy¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin discrepantia, from discrepant- (stem of discrepāns “sounding discordant”; discrepant ) + -ia -y ³( def )

Synonym Study

See difference.

Example Sentences

The pair worked together for ten years before a fall-out in 2022 which led to he discovery of discrepancies in an account set up for a fundraising ball.

From BBC

This discrepancy is greater than what would be possible under natural climate variability.

From Science Daily

He hopes that future studies will examine the discrepancy in results from private and government clinics and see if approaches to treatment programs need to be adjusted based on the populations they are serving.

From Science Daily

The group’s writ of mandate claims “discrepancies” between November 2022 election results and its own analysis of June 2023 voter rolls.

From Los Angeles Times

An Arizona voter roll discrepancy, discovered just weeks ago, further threatened to sow distrust in this year’s election.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• difference
• disparity
• distinction
• divergence
• error
• inconsistency
• miscalculation
• variation