- 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.
Calculating how you’d fare with a lower Social Security benefit is not yet a standard part of the financial-planning process, but it’s starting to be integrated into more projections.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
Calculating an individual’s wealth, however, is more art than science.
From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026
Calculating his branch's sales for February, he says: "Of 14 sales, which is pretty good, five were sold as second homes."
From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026
Calculating velocity wasn’t precise until about 20 years ago, making it difficult to compare Joyce and Chapman to legendary flamethrowers such as Bob Feller and Nolan Ryan, who avoided injury while amassing staggering numbers.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 4, 2024
Calculating if he should block first or go directly for an attack.
From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins
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.
