What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exacting
Example
The job of a surgeon is very exacting and requires a high level of precision. [exacting: adjective]
Example
My boss is an exacting person who expects nothing but the best from his employees. [exacting: adjective]
Example
The training program for the military is very exacting and requires a lot of physical and mental endurance. [exacting: adjective]
accurate
Example
The weather forecast was accurate and predicted the exact amount of rainfall. [accurate: adjective]
Example
The scale in the laboratory is very accurate and can measure up to the nearest milligram. [accurate: adjective]
Example
The accountant is known for being accurate in his calculations and never makes mistakes. [accurate: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Accurate is more commonly used than exacting in everyday language. Accurate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while exacting is less common and is typically used in professional or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exacting and accurate?
Exacting is more formal than accurate and is typically used in professional or academic settings to describe tasks, jobs, or people that require a high level of precision and attention to detail. Accurate is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
