# computation

/ˌkɑmpjəˈteɪʃən/ (US) · /kˌɒmpjuːtˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/computation
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the act of calculating

noun · CEFR B2 · Academic · Technical

the process of calculating a result, often using a computer or complex math.

For teachers: the act or mathematical process of computing; a systematic calculation or reckoning.

- The computer needs a few seconds to finish the computation of the data.
- Modern cryptography relies on the fact that certain mathematical computations are practically impossible for current hardware to solve in a reasonable timeframe.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general process of calculating.

### 2. the result of a calculation

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

the final amount or answer you get after doing math.

For teachers: the specific result or numerical value obtained through the process of computing.

- If his computations are correct, we should have enough money for the project.
- The engineer double-checked her computations to ensure the bridge could withstand the projected wind loads during a storm.

Usage: Commonly used as a countable noun when referring to specific sets of results.

## Examples

- The complex computation took several hours to complete.
- Modern weather forecasting requires massive amounts of computation to simulate atmospheric changes accurately.
- While the theoretical framework was sound, the actual computation of the results proved difficult due to the sheer volume of variables involved in the simulation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.