accuracy

noun

ac·​cu·​ra·​cy ˈa-kyə-rə-sē How to pronounce accuracy (audio)
ˈa-k(ə-)rə-
plural accuracies
1
: freedom from mistake or error : correctness
checked the novel for historical accuracy
2
a
: conformity to truth or to a standard or model : exactness
impossible to determine with accuracy the number of casualties
b
: degree of conformity of a measure to a standard or a true value compare precision entry 1 sense 2a

Examples of accuracy in a Sentence

Each experiment is performed twice to ensure accuracy. The police questioned the accuracy of his statement. He could not say with any accuracy what he had seen. Several managers have tried to increase the speed and accuracy of the workers.
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.
Quantum computing can boost the accuracy of battery material simulations, optimize power grid flows and enhance the design of sustainable energy systems. Klaudia Zaika, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 Additionally, defining daytime napping as sleep between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. could have mistakenly included participants’ actual sleep, affecting the accuracy of what would count as a nap, the researchers stated. Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025 The court rejected the state’s argument that changing birth certificates diminishes the accuracy of birth statistics. Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2025 An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing. Jim Edwards, Fortune, 1 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for accuracy

Word History

Etymology

accur(ate) + -acy

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of accuracy was in 1644

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Accuracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accuracy. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

accuracy

noun
ac·​cu·​ra·​cy ˈak-yə-rə-sē How to pronounce accuracy (audio)
plural accuracies
1
: freedom from error : correctness
2
: conformity to a standard : exactness

More from Merriam-Webster on accuracy

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