Inaccurate
/ɪnˈækjərət/
Definitions
Not conforming to fact or truth; containing errors.
/ɪnˈækjərət/
Not correct or exact; containing errors.
The map was inaccurate and led us astray.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to hit a target, but your aim is off. That's like something being inaccurate – not quite right! For instance, if a clock shows the wrong time, it's inaccurate. Or, if your friend tells you a story with the wrong facts, the story is inaccurate.
👶 For kids: When something is inaccurate, it means it's not right or wrong. Like if you guess the wrong answer to a question, it's inaccurate.
More Examples
The journalist's reporting was criticized for being inaccurate.
Due to a technical glitch, the data collected was found to be inaccurate.
How It's Used
"The report contained several inaccurate details."
"The measurements were deemed inaccurate due to faulty equipment."
From in- (not) + accurate. Accurate derives from the Latin accuratus, meaning 'carefully done'.
The term 'inaccurate' has been used since the 17th century, initially focusing on precision in measurements and reporting.
Memory tip
Think of 'in' (not) + 'accurate' (correct). If something is inaccurate, it's NOT correct.
Word Origin
"carefully done"