- present participle of calculate.
calculating
Americanadjective
-
capable of or made for performing calculations, especially arithmetical calculations.
a calculating machine.
-
a wise and calculating lawyer.
-
selfishly scheming.
a cold and calculating dictator.
- Synonyms:
- designing
adjective
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selfishly scheming
-
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.
Because the company still uses the disputed cross-border method for calculating its taxes, Coke would likely owe more for 2010 through 2025.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 21, 2026
She added that perpetrators of sextortion were often patient and calculating, building "that connection".
From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026
Ahmed: It wasn’t that careerist and calculating, to be honest.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
The proposed Bilirakis commission also would evaluate whether the current formula for calculating annual cost-of-living adjustments accurately reflects the financial realities facing seniors, including inflation.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 5, 2026
In 1965 several astrophysicists at Princeton University were calculating what would have happened right after the big bang.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
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.
