calculation

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce calculation (audio)
1
a
: the process or an act of calculating
b
: the result of an act of calculating
2
a
: studied care in analyzing or planning
b
: cold heartless planning to promote self-interest
calculational adjective

Examples of calculation in a Sentence

According to experts' calculations, that star will explode within two billion years. The computer can do millions of calculations each second. Careful calculation is required to determine the required amount of fuel. The book reveals the cold calculations that were behind the government's policies. His positions are based on political calculation of what voters want to hear.
Recent Examples on the Web Such efforts have gone nowhere, however, leaving many would-be solar adopters with difficult calculations to make about their roof. Tik Root / Grist, Quartz, 19 Oct. 2024 Netanyahu’s ‘political calculations’ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted his goal is to eliminate Hamas completely, even though many experts have warned this may not be achievable. Ivana Kottasová, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024 Material mistakes can include ineffectively implementing an initiative, making the wrong calculations in a financial projection, choosing the wrong hire and not managing performance in a timely manner. Jalie Cohen, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024 What's next: The National Committee for Quality Assurance, which sets metrics to calculate quality scores for federal benefits plans, includes access to diagnostics in that calculation. Aaron Weitzman, Axios, 16 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for calculation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'calculation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English calculacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French calculacione, borrowed from Late Latin calculātiōn-, calculātiō, from calculāre "to count, calculate" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of calculation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near calculation

Cite this Entry

“Calculation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

calculation

noun
cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce calculation (audio)
1
a
: the process or an act of calculating
b
: the result obtained by calculation
2
: care in planning : caution

More from Merriam-Webster on calculation

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