accuracy
AK-yuu-ruh-see
Accuracy (noun) means the quality of being correct or exact, free from error. Example: “The map's accuracy was a great help to hikers crossing the unfamiliar hills.”
noun
1
The quality of being correct or exact, free from error.
"The map's accuracy was a great help to hikers crossing the unfamiliar hills."
"The device measures temperature with impressive accuracy."
"Editors check every fact for accuracy before publishing."
How to use accuracy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHow correct or exact something is.
Common mistake
"Accuracy" means being correct/close to the true value; "precision" means being consistent and finely detailed. A measurement can be precise (very specific) without being accurate (correct).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
with accuracy
accuracy of
improve accuracy
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Word forms
- Plural
- accuracies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The map's _____ was a great help to hikers crossing the unfamiliar hills.
Etymology
First recorded in the 1660s, made up of accurate + -cy.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for accuracy
See all rhymes for accuracy →Frequently asked questions
What does “accuracy” mean?
The word “accuracy” means the quality of being correct or exact, free from error. In plain terms, how correct or exact something is.
How do you pronounce “accuracy”?
“Accuracy” is pronounced AK-yuu-ruh-see (/ˈæk.jɚ.ə.si/ in IPA).
How do you use “accuracy” in a sentence?
Here is “accuracy” used in a sentence: “The device measures temperature with impressive accuracy.”
What is another word for “accuracy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “accuracy” include correctness, truthfulness and nicety.
What is the opposite of “accuracy”?
The opposite of “accuracy” — its antonyms — is inaccuracy.
What part of speech is “accuracy”?
“Accuracy” is a noun.
Is “accuracy” a common word?
“Accuracy” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between accuracy and precision?
Accuracy is how close a result is to the true or correct value, while precision is how consistent repeated results are with each other. Measurements can be precise, or tightly grouped, yet still inaccurate if they all cluster around the wrong value.
What is the difference between accuracy and correctness?
The two overlap closely, both meaning freedom from error. 'Correctness' tends to describe a simple right-or-wrong judgement, while 'accuracy' often implies exactness and closeness to a precise standard, as with measurements or figures.
Which prepositions are used with 'accuracy'?
'Accuracy' is commonly followed by 'of' (the accuracy of the data) or 'in' (accuracy in reporting). You can also do something 'with accuracy' or describe a result as having a certain 'degree of accuracy.'
What is the opposite of accuracy?
The direct opposite is 'inaccuracy.' Because accuracy means being correct and free from error, greater accuracy means fewer mistakes, while inaccuracy means more.
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