miscalculation

noun

mis·​cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌmis-ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən 

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

Synonyms

• mistake

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

This is a grave miscalculation that is bound to backfire. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025

For Buffett, the split is a symbolic closing chapter on a rare investing miscalculation. —Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2025

That single miscalculation shattered both the fund and his reputation. —Tim Maurer, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

In the years leading up to that moment, three catastrophic miscalculations—each rooted in short-term maneuvering and self-justification—paved the way for Hitler’s ascent. —Daniel Ziblatt, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for miscalculation

• abbreviation
• abomination
• acceleration
• accentuation
• accommodation
• accreditation
• acculturation
• accumulation
• acetylation
• adjudication
• administration
• adulteration