order of magnitude
noun phrase
: a range of magnitude extending from some value to ten times that value
Examples of order of magnitude in a Sentence
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Although the Replicator Initiative represents a good start, U.S. investment in the low-cost drones necessary to fight a high-intensity, modern war is still at least an order of magnitude too small.
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Michael C. Horowitz, Foreign Affairs, 4 July 2025
Technical reports indicate that around 3,000 shale gas wells were drilled between 2012 and 2022, an order of magnitude less than the dozens of U.S. companies who pioneered the first gas shale play, the Barnett, during its initial five years, 2000-2005.
—Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
To successfully implement this new architecture, error rates need to come down by an order of magnitude, admitted IBM’s Steffen, though the company is confident this is achievable.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 June 2025
To go to 50% is a completely different order of magnitude.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 23 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for order of magnitude
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Michael C. Horowitz, Foreign Affairs, 4 July 2025
Technical reports indicate that around 3,000 shale gas wells were drilled between 2012 and 2022, an order of magnitude less than the dozens of U.S. companies who pioneered the first gas shale play, the Barnett, during its initial five years, 2000-2005.
—Scott Montgomery, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
To successfully implement this new architecture, error rates need to come down by an order of magnitude, admitted IBM’s Steffen, though the company is confident this is achievable.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 June 2025
To go to 50% is a completely different order of magnitude.
—Steve Kopack, NBC news, 23 May 2025
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 25 Jul. 2025.
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