discrepancy

3 definitions • 8 examples

a difference between two things that should be the same:

discrepancy between There is some discrepancy between the two accounts.

discrepancy in The committee is reportedly unhappy about the discrepancy in numbers.

an unexpected difference, esp. in two amounts or two sets of facts or conditions, which suggests that something is wrong and has to be explained:

There were troubling discrepancies between his public and private opinions on how to balance the budget.

a difference between two figures, results, etc. that are expected to be the same:

A balance sheet review uncovered discrepancies totalling €30 million.

Shareholders questioned the discrepancy between pay figures in the trust's annual report and those shown in the accounts.

Employers will have 90 days to resolve discrepancies in their records.

a huge/growing/wide discrepancy

account for/explain a discrepancy An official spokesman refused to explain the discrepancy.