calculating
Americanadjective
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capable of or made for performing calculations, especially arithmetical calculations.
a calculating machine.
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a wise and calculating lawyer.
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selfishly scheming.
a cold and calculating dictator.
- Synonyms:
- designing
adjective
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selfishly scheming
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shrewd; cautious
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of calculating
First recorded in 1800–10; calculat(e) + -ing 2
Explanation
Someone who's calculating is scheming to get exactly what they want, no matter the cost to other people. A movie's calculating villain might be determined to steal his innocent victim's money. The adjective calculating originally meant simply "doing calculations," or in other words, doing math. It quickly took on a figurative meaning that's become its main definition, used for anyone who directs their intelligence and know-how toward ruthlessly getting the best of other people. Your brother's calculating smile is a sure sign he's up to no good.
Vocabulary lists containing calculating
The House of the Scorpion
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Novel Study: Of Mice and Men, Chapters 1–3
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Mississippi Trial, 1955
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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.
It matters because of what it signals to every other newsroom watching — every executive calculating the cost of compliance versus resistance, every journalist wondering whether their employer will protect them.
From Salon • May 13, 2026
Musk's lawyers seized on the entries to portray Brockman as a calculating opportunist.
From Barron's • May 11, 2026
Meta said Ofcom's methods for calculating fees and penalties were "disproportionate", while Ofcom said it would "robustly defend" its position.
From BBC • May 7, 2026
He said Ford didn’t disregard unexpected costs such as tariffs when calculating bonuses.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 22, 2026
“We’ll actually do some calculating to get a reasonable approximation.”
From "Because of Mr. Terupt" by Rob Buyea
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.
