discrepancies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “discrepancies” mean?
Differences between two or more things that should be the same.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Differences between two or more things that should be the same; inconsistencies or disagreements.
A lack of compatibility or similarity between facts, figures, accounts, or expectations, often requiring investigation or reconciliation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties, carrying a formal, analytical tone.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American business and legal contexts, but common in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “discrepancies” in a Sentence
discrepancies between X and Ydiscrepancies in Xdiscrepancies concerning XVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “discrepancies” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The accounts discrep.
- The data sets discrep.
American English
- The accounts discrep.
- The data sets discrep.
adverb
British English
- The figures were discrepantly recorded.
- He reported the data discrepantly.
American English
- The figures were discrepantly recorded.
- He reported the data discrepantly.
adjective
British English
- A discrepant finding.
- The reports were discrepant.
American English
- A discrepant finding.
- The reports were discrepant.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for mismatches in financial reports, inventory counts, or data sets. 'The auditor found discrepancies in the quarterly figures.'
Academic
Used to discuss inconsistencies in research data, historical accounts, or theoretical models. 'The study highlights discrepancies between observed and predicted results.'
Everyday
Used for differences in stories, plans, or expectations. 'There were some discrepancies in their versions of the event.'
Technical
Used in computing, engineering, and science for deviations from a standard, expected value, or between data sources.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “discrepancies”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “discrepancies”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “discrepancies”
- Using a singular verb with the plural 'discrepancies' (e.g., 'There is discrepancies' is wrong; use 'There are discrepancies').
- Misspelling as 'discrepencies'.
- Confusing with 'disparities' (which often implies unfair inequality).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is countable. You can have 'a discrepancy' or 'several discrepancies'.
'Difference' is a general term. 'Discrepancy' implies a difference where agreement was expected, often in details like numbers or facts, and often suggests something is wrong or needs explaining.
Rarely. It typically has a neutral or negative connotation, highlighting a problem, error, or inconsistency that needs resolution.
'Between' (discrepancies between A and B) and 'in' (discrepancies in the data) are the most common.
Differences between two or more things that should be the same.
Discrepancies is usually formal to neutral in register.
Discrepancies: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈskrepənsiz/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈskrepənsiz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Mind the gap (when referring to financial discrepancies)”
- “The numbers don't add up”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'DISCREPANCIES' as 'DIS-CREEP-ancies' – imagine facts that should line up neatly instead 'creeping' apart from each other, creating a gap or difference.
Conceptual Metaphor
ALIGNMENT/AGREEMENT IS STRAIGHTNESS; DISCREPANCIES ARE GAPS, CRACKS, OR MISALIGNMENTS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'discrepancies' LEAST appropriate?