accuracy
Americannoun
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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
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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.
Those grants are then used to protect IT systems from foreign and domestic cyberattacks, update voting systems, ensure the accuracy of voter rolls and protect the integrity of ballots after they are cast.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 10, 2026
Right-footed kickers get more power and accuracy when kicking to their left.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 7, 2026
"Harry Kane could end up being one of the greatest English strikers we've ever seen," he said, with some prophetic accuracy, considering Kane became England's greatest goal scorer in subsequent appearances.
From BBC • Jul. 3, 2026
To explore the problem, the researchers relied on machine learning simulations that reproduce quantum mechanical accuracy while allowing them to study a much broader range of conditions than traditional computational methods.
From Science Daily • Jul. 2, 2026
They began jumping, sending each other higher and higher, and coming down on the board with incredible accuracy.
From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George
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.
