miscalculates

Gets numbers wrong

Miscalculates means to calculate wrongly—to make an error in computation or judgment.

Someone who miscalculates a tip leaves the wrong amount.

Beyond math, the word applies to strategic errors: The general miscalculated the enemy's strength.

Politicians miscalculate public opinion; investors miscalculate risk.

The error may be technical or a failure to properly assess a situation.

strategic

misjudges

Estimates or assesses incorrectly

underestimatesJudges below actual worth
overestimatesGauges too high
blunderFoolish, costly mistake

tactics · opponent · risk · timing · move · chess · gambit · planning · assessment · strategy

social

misreads

Interprets text incorrectly

misjudgesEstimates or assesses incorrectly
intentionPlanned purpose for acting
reactionResponse to stimulus

mood · relationship · trust · loyalty · response · audience · perception · expectation · sentiment · alliance

mathematical

error

Fault in communication

arithmeticMathematics of basic operations
formulaFixed method or notation
equationMathematical equality assertion

sum · estimate · figure · computation · percentage · decimal · spreadsheet · budget · statistics · measurement

physical

trajectory

Path of moving object

distanceSpace between two points
speedRate of motion
angleGeometric measure of rotation

force · landing · jump · throw · aim · velocity · momentum · impact · clearance · depth

Categories

blundersblunder, blunders, blundered, mistakes, botch

Opposites

accuracy of computation

miscalculatescalculates

Performs mathematical operations

computes · tallies

judgment and assessment

miscalculateshits the mark

Achieves intended aim

Family

miscalculate, miscalculation, miscalculated, miscalculations, miscalculating, miscalculators

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated G