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
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.
Our columnist tests out the latest fitness trackers for your wrist, finger and elsewhere, with a focus on sleep monitoring and heart-rate accuracy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026
“We found that BLS met its annual accuracy goals for the survey estimates in the jobs report from fiscal years 2020 through 2025 amid data collection challenges,” its report stated.
From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026
The trial is assessing whether extra tests alongside PSA, such genetic checks and MRI scans, can improve screening accuracy.
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
“We have access, accuracy, security — now the challenge is to maintain all of those values while accelerating the count,” said Kim Alexander, head of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026
Oskamp found that as he gave the psychologists more and more information about Kidd, their confidence in the accuracy of their diagnoses increased dramatically.
From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell
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.
