miscalculation

noun

mis·​cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌmis-ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce miscalculation (audio)
plural miscalculations
Synonyms of miscalculationnext
: 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

Synonyms of miscalculation

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Examples of miscalculation in a Sentence

treating her opponent as an intellectual lightweight was a serious miscalculation on her part
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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.
Right now, that appears to be a miscalculation. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 17 June 2026 That proved to be a massive miscalculation. — Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 So, even tiny errors can result in game-losing miscalculations. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 7 June 2026 Some experts call that a tragic miscalculation after such historic gains. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 15 June 2026 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

Rhymes for miscalculation

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Cite this Entry

“Miscalculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miscalculation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on miscalculation

Nglish: Translation of miscalculation for Spanish Speakers

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