accuracy
Americannoun
plural
accuracies-
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
- hyperaccuracy noun
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.
"It has been a very long journey and we definitely need more accuracy when it comes to scans," says Pearson.
From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026
Audience members clapped and sang along to “Thriller” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” and whooped every time Michael — played with admittedly impressive accuracy by Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar — hit a spin or kick.
From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026
They were the only group to consistently rival the prediction market’s accuracy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026
Ephrem Lemango, global chief of immunisation at UNICEF, said social media algorithms "tend to reward outrage over accuracy, and there is so much anti-vaccine content" that it has it own "economy behind it".
From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026
The accuracy of these recitals was sufficiently obvious to me, to give me great confidence in Joe’s information.
From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
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.
