miscalculation

noun

mis·​cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌmis-ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce miscalculation (audio)
plural miscalculations
Synonyms of miscalculationnext
: 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 of miscalculation

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Examples of miscalculation in a Sentence

treating her opponent as an intellectual lightweight was a serious miscalculation on her part
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Even current geopolitical miscalculations can reinforce skepticism toward overconfident, short-horizon initiatives. — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Saudi Arabia's leaders are trying to avoid further regional escalation that would risk miscalculation or prolonging of the war. — Margaret Brennan, CBS News, 30 July 2026 Check out the video below to see Jason and Lala’s response to Kamu’s miscalculation, and then watch the rest of the epic Big Brother Tea Party tonight on CBS. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 July 2026 Dubas, for all of his brilliance over the past two seasons — especially his run of trades — made two miscalculations. — Josh Yohe, New York Times, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for miscalculation

Word History

First Known Use

1653, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of miscalculation was in 1653

Rhymes for miscalculation

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Miscalculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miscalculation. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on miscalculation

Nglish: Translation of miscalculation for Spanish Speakers

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