accuracy
noun (uncountable)
UKˈæk.jʊ.rə.siUSˈæk.jɚ.ə.si
the quality or state of being correct or precise
Example Sentences
The accuracy of the measurements is critical in scientific experiments.
Ensure that every calculation is performed with great accuracy to avoid serious errors in the final results.
He questioned the accuracy of the statistics provided in the report.
Accuracy in data entry helps reduce confusion and improves overall efficiency.
Because the device was calibrated incorrectly, its accuracy was severely compromised during the test phase.
Her attention to detail and commitment to accuracy earned her a reputation for reliability in the research department.
In today's competitive marketplace, maintaining accuracy in inventory records is essential to prevent overspending, reduce waste, and sustain customer satisfaction.
With advances in technology and training, modern archers can achieve astonishing accuracy in their shots, hitting targets with remarkable consistency from impressive distances.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
The degree of correctness or exactness in information, measurement, or performance.Though not a verb but a noun, “accuracy” plays a pivotal role wherever precision matters. In everyday contexts, accuracy can mean hitting the right target—be it factual correctness in a trivia quiz, or adding the correct ingredients when cooking. In professional settings, accuracy becomes indispensable: scientists rely on precise data to reach valid conclusions, and financial experts need exact numbers to maintain stable transactions. Journalists, too, ensure each detail is verified, given that misinformation can discredit a news source.Maintaining accuracy often involves double-checking or comparing one’s output against a reliable standard. Writers might cross-reference sources, while engineers calibrate instruments to measure within accepted error margins. In computing, accurate algorithms and data sets reduce system failures or misleading outputs. When you focus on accuracy, you’re effectively minimizing the margin of error, which bolsters trust among stakeholders—be they readers, clients, or colleagues.Practically, this might mean proofreading your report multiple times, vetting academic references, or ensuring your measurement tool is properly calibrated. In a broader sense, developing accuracy involves cultivating strong habits of meticulous review, self-correction, and consistent adherence to recognized standards. Whether you’re clarifying a friend’s anecdote or launching a high-stakes project, accuracy guarantees reliability and respect.
Alternatives
When discussing or writing about accuracy, other terms may capture similar ideals while offering subtle distinctions. “Precision” highlights a method’s reproducibility or exactness, focusing on the level of detail—often in technical contexts like engineering or science. “Correctness” emphasizes the rightness of information, particularly in knowledge-based activities like writing, researching, or logical reasoning. Meanwhile, “fidelity” might apply to how closely a reproduction matches its source, as in audio or visual reproductions.For everyday contexts, “reliability” stresses the idea that data or processes can be trusted repeatedly. If you’re aiming to depict strong attention to detail, “meticulousness” underscores methodical care, though it can sometimes imply longer or more careful work. “Validity” suggests that conclusions or statements hold up under scrutiny, particularly in academic or scientific discussions. In business settings, “compliance” or “conformance” may be used to show alignment with standards, ensuring the final product or process meets predefined benchmarks.Selecting the right synonym depends on purpose, audience, and field of application. A scholar might favor “validity” or “precision,” while a project manager might emphasize “reliability” or “compliance.” Recognizing these nuances allows for more accurate communication, highlighting the exact aspect of correctness you wish to convey, whether you’re pinpointing a minor detail or confirming large-scale consistency in a corporate or scientific environment.
Writing
In writing, accuracy lends credibility and authority to your work, whether you’re composing academic articles, journalism pieces, or fictional narratives that hinge on factual details. Incorrect data or misrepresented facts can swiftly undermine trust in your argument or story. To maintain accuracy, cross-verify with multiple sources whenever possible—especially for statistics or historical facts. Even minor oversights, such as a misspelled name or a wrong date, may cause readers to question your overall reliability.For instance, if you’re writing an investigative report on local environmental issues, ensure each claim is backed by verifiable data, official documentation, or reputable expert testimony. If your aim is to craft a historically grounded novel, consult archives, books, or interviews to capture period-specific details. Accuracy doesn’t always necessitate an exhaustive approach—knowing the depth your topic demands is key. A casual blog post might require less formality, but basic truthfulness still matters. Maintain a clear organizational structure that allows readers to trace where your information came from. By pairing thorough research with careful editing, you show respect for your audience, creating writing that stands up to scrutiny and fosters trust in your narrative or argument.
Casual Conversation
In everyday life, accuracy affects everything from cooking to conversations with friends. If you’re mixing ingredients for a recipe, measuring a teaspoon of salt instead of a tablespoon can make the difference between a delicious dish and an inedible one. If you share a piece of news with friends, ensuring it’s actually true protects you from spreading rumors or misinformation. We encounter countless informal moments—like quoting a movie line or recalling a friend’s birthday—where small inaccuracies can cause mild confusion or misunderstandings.Being accurate doesn’t have to be complicated. Often, it just means taking a second to confirm that what you’re saying or doing is correct. For instance, double-check a headline before you forward it on social media, or take a quick look at a calendar when planning an event. These small habits reinforce accountability and help maintain harmony in your daily life—nobody wants to act on incorrect details. Even if the stakes are low, accurate information fosters better communication, fewer mix-ups, and a smoother, more reliable interaction with others. By prioritizing accuracy in casual settings, you cultivate a reputation for dependability and honesty, building a sense of confidence in yourself and trust among your peers.
Etymology
The term “accuracy” stems from the Latin adjective “accuratus,” meaning “done with care,” which itself is derived from “ad” (toward) and “cura” (care). This root reflects an inherent focus on careful attention to detail and diligence in execution. Over time, as the word traveled through Middle French and into English, “accurate” and “accuracy” came to signify both an action performed correctly and a quality denoting correctness.In earlier centuries, these words were primarily applied to tangible, measurable situations—like carefully inscribed distances on maps or precisely calibrated instruments. Over time, their usage broadened, applying to intangible domains such as logic, reasoning, or reporting facts. With the rise of modern science and technology, emphasis on accuracy intensified as empirical measurements became integral to scientific discovery and innovation. Today, “accuracy” resonates across disciplines—be it literature, engineering, or journalism—still retaining the essence of “careful attention” embodied in its Latin origin. The historical journey of “accuracy” underscores our enduring human commitment to get things right, no matter the field of endeavor.