"Does not compute," e.g.
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 30, 2026
Stuck on the clue "Does not compute," e.g. from the New York Times Midi for March 30, 2026? We have the correct 5-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
"Does not compute," e.g. (5)
Answer
The answer to "Does not compute," e.g. is Error (5 letters).
Why does Error fit this clue?
This clue uses an example format where 'Does not compute' serves as an illustration of the answer ERROR. An error is a mistake, fault, or incorrect action, especially in computing or data processing. The phrase 'Does not compute' is a classic way computers and robots express that they cannot process or understand given information, making it a perfect example of an error message. This type of error communication became popular in science fiction and computing culture to indicate when a system encounters data it cannot handle or logic it cannot resolve.
What does "Does not compute," e.g. mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
compute
verb
•to calculate or process information, especially by computer
•to make sense or be logical (informal usage)
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 2-down in the New York Times Midi on March 30, 2026, by Aaron Gee and Avery Gee Katz, edited by Ian Livengood. See all answers for this puzzle.
NYT Midi — Mar 30, 2026
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What does Error mean?
noun
•The state, quality, or condition of being wrong.
•A mistake; an accidental wrong action or a false statement not made deliberately.
verb
•To function improperly due to an error, especially accompanied by error message.
•To show or contain an error or fault.
Origin of the word Error
•origin: Latin 'error' meaning 'a wandering, straying, mistake'
•period: 14th century
The Latin root 'errare' literally meant 'to wander' or 'to stray,' which is why we still say someone has 'gone astray' when they make a mistake.
How to use Error in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Error.
•“When I tried to divide by zero on my calculator, it displayed an error message saying 'does not compute'.”
•“The teacher marked an error in my math homework where I incorrectly added the fractions.”
•“There was a spelling error in the company's annual report that wasn't caught before printing.”
What are other crossword clues for Error?
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Midi, Mar 30, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Midi for March 30, 2026 titled “De-tails” was published by Aaron Gee and Avery Gee Katz and has 33 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
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Frequently asked questions about "Does not compute," e.g.
- What is the answer to "Does not compute," e.g.?
- The answer is Error (5 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Midi on March 30, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to "Does not compute," e.g. have?
- The answer has 5 letters: Error.
Author
Naitik Mehta
Co-founder
Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Midi — Mar 30, 2026
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