0 a difference between two things that should be the same: --
The committee is reportedly unhappy about the discrepancy in numbers.
There is some discrepancy between the two accounts.
1 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: --
2 a difference between two figures, results, etc. that are expected to be the same: --
account for/explain a discrepancy An official spokesman refused to explain the discrepancy.
Employers will have 90 days to resolve discrepancies in their records.
Shareholders questioned the discrepancy between pay figures in the trust's annual report and those shown in the accounts.
A balance sheet review uncovered discrepancies totalling €30 million.
On the other hand, where identical discrepancies occur in the analysis of separate instances of identical wording, each instance is counted separately.
Since much of what follows depends on counting individual discrepancies, we should be explicit about how we have individuated discrepancies in our sample.
Given the large discrepancies and absence of a comprehensive analysis, neither trends nor definitive conclusions can be drawn in any country.
Such discrepancies in emphasis could have been conditioned by differing language skills.
The usage of different dosages and inoculation routes may explain this discrepancy.
This discrepancy in the inhibitory effect on excystment may be due to differences in the permeability of the cyst wall.
Finding discrepancies between oral traditions and other sources does not negate the value of oral traditions as historical evidence.
The commission's own comparison of redemption values and current land prices revealed a large discrepancy.