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

Recent Examples on the Web
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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 But becoming the hometown of the first American pope could bring crowds on a different order of magnitude to the south suburbs and the city’s South Side. Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for order of magnitude

Word History

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of order of magnitude was in 1875

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Cite this Entry

“Order of magnitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/order%20of%20magnitude. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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