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
Peter NultyExamples of miscalculation in a Sentence
treating her opponent as an intellectual lightweight was a serious miscalculation on her part
Recent Examples on the Web
An unconvincing 3-2 victory had the feeling of a miscalculation, especially when Newcastle succumbed late again the following weekend by losing 3-2 at home to Everton.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 May 2026
The display of nuclear capability can increase uncertainty and heighten concerns about potential miscalculations during a period of ongoing conflict.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026
The dilemma is that each player wants the other side to blink first, but the cost of miscalculation is catastrophic.
—Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
In Chinese state media over the weekend, experts and pundits made similar observations, suggesting the boards would reduce miscalculations and improve the stability of trade and investment.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for miscalculation
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George Caulkin, New York Times, 25 May 2026
The display of nuclear capability can increase uncertainty and heighten concerns about potential miscalculations during a period of ongoing conflict.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026
The dilemma is that each player wants the other side to blink first, but the cost of miscalculation is catastrophic.
—Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
In Chinese state media over the weekend, experts and pundits made similar observations, suggesting the boards would reduce miscalculations and improve the stability of trade and investment.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for miscalculation
Cite this Entry
“Miscalculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miscalculation. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
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