Exceptional mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Exceptional mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake that is notably unusual or significant in some way. Example: "The report contained an exceptional mistake that led to a major misunderstanding among the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is worth asking for stories of both typical and exceptional mistakes.

Harvard Business Review

The NSPCC's chief executive, Peter Wanless, says in the letter that "given the exceptional historical mistakes in this matter, I would like to understand why you did not deem it in the public interest to have a trial of facts".

Independent

But America's insistence on believing that somehow the particular qualities of the US as a state – good and bad – are indivisibly and uniquely brilliant at producing exceptional people is mistaken.

The Guardian - Opinion

And while these stories are exceptional, they are readily mistaken for the norm; mistrust for the system grows and those supported by it fall under suspicion.

The Guardian - Opinion

Interfaces in single-operator rides and control towers must support operators to diagnose and respond rapidly and effectively to infrequent exceptional situations, and prevent mistakes by assisting situation awareness and making responses intuitive, along with minimizing the potential for slips.

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

The seeds of a complex and gripping story have certainly been sown, and while Top of the Lake may not be on a par with the exceptional European dramas I mistook it for at first, it should be worth sticking around.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Their mistakes — because there will be mistakes — will be exceptional.

The Washington Post

Exceptional stuff.

The Guardian - Sport

Exceptional kicking?

The Guardian - Sport

Exceptional, unforgettable.

The Guardian - Sport

"Exceptional?" I echoed.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exceptional mistake", ensure the context clearly establishes why the mistake is considered 'exceptional'. Provide enough detail to justify the use of the adjective.

Common error

Avoid labeling a routine error as an "exceptional mistake". The adjective 'exceptional' should be reserved for mistakes that have unusually significant consequences or stem from highly unusual circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exceptional mistake" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective 'exceptional' modifies the noun 'mistake'. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe an error that is notably unusual or significant in some way.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

11%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exceptional mistake" is a phrase used to describe a mistake that is notably unusual or significant. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While semantically valid, it's crucial to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for errors with genuinely extraordinary consequences or circumstances. Ludwig suggests using it when you want to emphasize the distinctive nature of the error, and alternatives such as "egregious error" or "remarkable blunder" may be used to add nuance. Although moderately formal, you'll find "exceptional mistake" across neutral registers, but it's important to avoid overuse in contexts where a simpler term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

egregious error

Emphasizes the shocking or conspicuously bad nature of the mistake.

remarkable blunder

Highlights the unusual or noteworthy aspect of the mistake.

significant oversight

Focuses on the importance and impact of the mistake.

glaring error

Stresses the obvious and easily noticeable nature of the mistake.

monumental lapse

Indicates a severe and consequential failure.

extraordinary fault

Suggests the mistake is beyond the ordinary in its nature or consequences.

major miscalculation

Specifically refers to a mistake in computation or planning with large ramifications.

terrible mistake

Indicates the mistake's severity and its consequences.

severe error

Underlines the gravity and potential impact of the error.

critical flaw

Points out a fundamental defect or weakness that led to the mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "exceptional mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "exceptional mistake" to describe an error that is particularly significant or unusual, for example: "The report contained an "exceptional mistake" that led to a major misunderstanding among the team."

What are some alternatives to "exceptional mistake"?

Alternatives include "egregious error", "remarkable blunder", or "significant oversight", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "exceptional mistake" in formal writing?

Yes, "exceptional mistake" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you need to emphasize the unusual or significant nature of the error. Ensure the context clarifies why the mistake warrants such a description.

What distinguishes an "exceptional mistake" from a regular mistake?

An "exceptional mistake" differs from a regular mistake in its severity, consequences, or the unusual circumstances surrounding it. It's not just an ordinary error but one that stands out due to its impact or rarity.