order of magnitude
noun phrase
: a range of magnitude extending from some value to ten times that value
—often used figuratively
The two problems are not of the same order of magnitude. [=are not equally important]
Examples of order of magnitude in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
As an animal gets larger, its available power goes up faster than the cost of running—allowing large mammals to run much faster (up to an order of magnitude more) than the smallest ones.
—
Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
Comparing their magnetic field images to ones taken from instruments in low-Earth orbit showed the correct order of magnitude and spatial patterns.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
18 June 2026
CTOs not watching this ratio will wake up to a productivity gap an order of magnitude wide.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
The worst-case scenario, that the AI boom is a bubble, just got an order of magnitude more severe.
—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for order of magnitude
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Literary Hub,
22 June 2026
Comparing their magnetic field images to ones taken from instruments in low-Earth orbit showed the correct order of magnitude and spatial patterns.
—
IEEE Spectrum,
18 June 2026
CTOs not watching this ratio will wake up to a productivity gap an order of magnitude wide.
—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
The worst-case scenario, that the AI boom is a bubble, just got an order of magnitude more severe.
—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for order of magnitude
Cite this Entry
“Order of magnitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/order%20of%20magnitude. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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