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
-
selfishly scheming
-
shrewd; cautious
Other Word Forms
- calculatingly adverb
- noncalculating adjective
- uncalculating adjective
- uncalculatingly adverb
Etymology
Origin of calculating
First recorded in 1800–10; calculat(e) + -ing 2
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.
He watched, his contempt spilling over, calculating whether I was worth competing for.
From Los Angeles Times
More than 75,000 non-domestic properties have been revalued as part of a new list used in calculating business rates - an annual property tax that helps fund public services.
From BBC
The formula for calculating family maximums is somewhat complex, but the agency explains it in detail here if you want to dive into the specifics.
From MarketWatch
When she was cautious, it was interpreted as calculating rather than strategic.
From Salon
Kovrig described Chinese negotiators as "extremely adroit, calculating, and always looking for leverage".
From BBC
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.