accuracy

noun

ac·​cu·​ra·​cy ˈa-kyə-rə-sē 

ˈa-k(ə-)rə-

plural accuracies

1

: freedom from mistake or error : correctness

checked the novel for historical accuracy

2

a

: conformity to truth or to a standard or model : exactness

impossible to determine with accuracy the number of casualties

b

: degree of conformity of a measure to a standard or a true value compare precision entry 1 sense 2a

Synonyms

• accurateness
• closeness
• delicacy
• exactitude
• exactness
• fineness
• nicety
• perfection
• preciseness
• precision
• rigor
• rigorousness
• ultraprecision
• veracity

Examples of accuracy in a Sentence

Each experiment is performed twice to ensure accuracy.

The police questioned the accuracy of his statement.

He could not say with any accuracy what he had seen.

Several managers have tried to increase the speed and accuracy of the workers.

Recent Examples on the Web

Pollsters’ accuracy hinges on what the electorate will actually look like on November 5. —Allison Parshall, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024

With smooth surfaces on the interior of the band, the device significantly lowers the risk of discomfort while providing the same accuracy as the rest of Garmin’s heart rate monitors. —Ashley Mateo, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024

Among these, auditors contend USAF failed to validate contracts’ data accuracy, keep tabs on any price increases after contract execution, and review invoices before paying Boeing. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2024

This could cause additional issues, since doctors cannot verify accuracy against the source material. —Benj Edwards, WIRED, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

accur(ate) + -acy

First Known Use

1644, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

accuracy

noun

ac·​cu·​ra·​cy ˈak-yə-rə-sē 

plural accuracies

1

: freedom from error : correctness

2

: conformity to a standard : exactness