miscalculation

noun

mis·​cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌmis-ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce miscalculation (audio)
plural miscalculations
: a mistake in calculation : wrong calculation
a costly miscalculation
… ruled that utility shareholders, not electricity consumers, must pay for some or all of the miscalculations that resulted in excessive expansion or cost overruns.Peter Nulty

Examples of miscalculation in a Sentence

treating her opponent as an intellectual lightweight was a serious miscalculation on her part
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These aren’t just innocent typos but often result in compliance breaches, miscalculations, and flawed reporting. Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025 One of the biggest miscalculations Putin has made is to play Trump. CBS News, 13 July 2025 The Library of Michigan, in its report prepared for public library directors and boards, found that the miscalculation occurred as a result of staff turnover at the county level and subsequent accounting mistakes. Nushrat Rahman, Freep.com, 10 July 2025 In both races a clear mandate was delivered, despite each facing vocal opponents who challenged them on every failure and political miscalculation, from stances on antisemitism to their inattention to housing, public safety and child care. Sara Forman, New York Daily News, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for miscalculation

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of miscalculation was in 1653

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Cite this Entry

“Miscalculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miscalculation. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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