Word
miscalculation
Phoneticsmis·cal·cu·la·tion, stress on the second syllable
US/mɪˈskæɫkjəˈɫeɪʃən/
UK/mɪskˌælkjʊlˈeɪʃən/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a mistake in numbers or in judging what will happen. You use it when your plan goes wrong because you counted or guessed badly.
n. an error in calculation or judgment that produces a wrong result or failed plan. Extends from arithmetic mistakes to broader errors in assessing a situation.
Examples
“A small miscalculation makes the cake too sweet.”
“The builders ordered too little paint because of a miscalculation in the measurements.”
“The campaign's early confidence rested on a serious miscalculation about voter turnout in rural districts.”
Examples
simple
“A small miscalculation makes the cake too sweet.”
contextual
“The builders ordered too little paint because of a miscalculation in the measurements.”
complex
“The campaign's early confidence rested on a serious miscalculation about voter turnout in rural districts.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “miscalculation” in context.
Verb
01. admit miscalculation
“The manager admitted his miscalculation and apologised to the team.”
verb + noun
02. avoid miscalculation
“Double-check the figures to avoid any miscalculation.”
verb + noun
03. correct miscalculation
“She quickly corrected her miscalculation before submitting the report.”
verb + noun
04. make miscalculation
“We made a miscalculation and arrived an hour after the train had left.”
verb + noun
05. miscalculation costs
“One miscalculation costs the company thousands of dollars.”
noun + verb
06. miscalculation leads
“A small miscalculation leads to big problems in engineering.”
noun + verb
Adjective
07. costly miscalculation
“Ignoring the weather forecast proved a costly miscalculation for the climbers.”
adj + noun
08. major miscalculation
“Hiring too few staff for the festival was a major miscalculation.”
adj + noun
09. a tragic political miscalculation
“The invasion was described as a tragic political miscalculation.”
10. admit a major miscalculation
“The government finally admitted a major miscalculation over housing costs.”
11. avoid a costly miscalculation
“Careful planning can help you avoid a costly miscalculation.”
12. make a serious miscalculation
“The coach made a serious miscalculation when he left his best player out.”
Real-World Examples
“However, this was later struck down by the Supreme Court who cited a miscalculation that increased the value of the couple's assets.” “But despite Infantino’s spectacular miscalculations and dictatorial shifts, those who have the power to “boot” him have instead made him the frontrunner in next year’s election.” “However, in a world full of conflicting narratives and interests, Western nations do not have a monopoly when it comes to failures of intelligence, oversights or strategic miscalculations.” “If this happens – and other nations may join – I believe it will prove to be a grave miscalculation, a decision that will fall on the wrong side of history.” Synonyms
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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