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 best job candidates show potential employers that “they know they have to check AI tools for accuracy and hallucinations,” which is when the program makes up informaiton, Kochan says.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026
One limitation is that participants reported details about their early and midlife experiences later in life, which may have affected the accuracy of their memories.
From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2026
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
“I independently verified the factual and legal accuracy of the content and confirmed that all arguments and authorities were appropriate to the issues presented.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026
The massive gold watch lay under his handkerchiefs in the top drawer of his bureau, and he kept it wound and set and checked its accuracy against his own watch.
From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
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.
