a catastrophic error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a catastrophic error" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a significant mistake that leads to disastrous consequences in various contexts, such as technology, business, or personal situations. Example: "The software update resulted in a catastrophic error that caused the entire system to crash."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Is there going to be a catastrophic error?

The New York Times - Sports

As the duel in the sun grew more tense, the younger brother made a catastrophic error.

The Guardian - Sport

It would be a catastrophic error for the United States to take on that role.

The New Yorker

This, it seems to your humble diarist, is a catastrophic error.

The Guardian - Travel

In hindsight, that decision almost proved to be a catastrophic error.

The Economist

During the heated exchange that ensues, Mr. Miliband calls the decision to "a catastrophic error of judgment".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

As we learned in a recent interview, even a "Walking Dead" actor seems suspicious of a possible catastrophic error in the Season 7 episode "New Best Friends".

Huffington Post

"Now is the time for Theresa May to apologise for such a potentially catastrophic error of judgment and answer questions as to what led her to make this mistake and why she was adamant she was right".

Independent

In photography, catastrophic error is largely a thing of a past.

Vice

First things first: the division series with the Orioles, the renewal of the Jeffrey Maier Classic, a different kind of closing pressure where the margin of catastrophic error can shrivel to the width of a pinstripe.

The New York Times - Sports

Then it became clear that the crash was the consequence of a catastrophic pilot error.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a catastrophic error", ensure the context clearly establishes the disastrous consequences of the error. This phrase is most effective when the severity of the mistake is self-evident or explicitly stated.

Common error

Avoid using "a catastrophic error" to describe trivial mistakes or inconveniences. Reserve this phrase for situations where the consequences are genuinely severe and far-reaching. Using it lightly dilutes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a catastrophic error" functions as a noun phrase. It typically serves as the object of a verb or preposition, describing something that is extremely bad or disastrous. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and offers various examples from reliable sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Sport

17%

Opinion

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a catastrophic error" is a frequently used phrase to describe a severe mistake or failure with disastrous consequences. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various formal contexts, including news, opinion, and professional communication. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants its strong implications and avoid overusing it for minor errors. Consider alternatives like "a devastating mistake" or "a critical failure" to fine-tune the conveyed meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a devastating mistake

Emphasizes the damaging consequences of the mistake.

a fatal flaw

Highlights a critical weakness that leads to failure.

a major blunder

Focuses on the significant carelessness or misjudgment involved.

a critical failure

Stresses the importance of the system or process that failed.

an unmitigated disaster

Highlights the complete and utter failure of something.

a complete fiasco

Suggests a total and embarrassing failure.

a monumental screw-up

Emphasizes the scale and impact of the mistake in a more informal way.

a regrettable oversight

Downplays the severity slightly, focusing on the lack of attention.

a lapse in judgment

Focuses on the poor decision-making that led to the error.

a breakdown in protocol

Highlights a failure to follow established procedures.

FAQs

How can I use "a catastrophic error" in a sentence?

Use "a catastrophic error" to describe a mistake that has devastating consequences. For example: "The miscalculation led to "a catastrophic error" in the budget projections".

What phrases are similar to "a catastrophic error"?

Alternatives include "a devastating mistake", "a fatal flaw", or "a major blunder". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a catastrophic error" in formal writing?

Yes, "a catastrophic error" is appropriate for formal writing when describing a severe mistake with significant negative consequences. However, avoid overly dramatic language or hyperbole.

What's the difference between "a catastrophic error" and "a serious error"?

"A catastrophic error" implies far more severe and wide-ranging consequences than "a serious error". Use "a catastrophic error" only when the mistake leads to disaster or widespread damage.