a damaging error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a damaging error" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake that has harmful consequences or effects in various contexts, such as business, technology, or personal situations. Example: "The team discovered a damaging error in the software that could compromise user data."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

HuffPost

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Apologies can help restore a manager's credibility after a damaging error, and they also can inspire greater trust in management at a time when many workers are feeling disillusioned with employers. .

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

A flare of a single to center field, a damaging throwing error by Rivera and a broken-bat groundout evened the score.

The New York Times - Sports

Moreover, the abuse of these prisoners is not the only damaging error that has been made and it forms part of a culture of extra-legal behaviour that has been set at the highest level.

The Economist

Miami's most damaging error was in leaving Jets receiver Chansi Stuckey uncovered at the goal line, allowing him to catch Favre's all-or-nothing heave on a fourth-and-13 midway through the second quarter.

The New York Times - Sports

If they were to reveal their full hand, an army of fact-checkers and number-crunchers would go through every line ready to expose some damaging error or inconsistency.

BBC

One of the most damaging errors a man can make during his divorce is to voluntarily move out of the marital home.

HuffPost

To make sure your reports don't have damaging errors, get a free copy of your report from each of the three major credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Forbes

During his Mediterranean campaign, which started earlier than that of his opponents from the presidential majority union, the UMP, which runs the PACA, Le Pen said that one of Sarkozy's most damaging errors was to create an official permanent council to speak for all Islamic factions.

The Guardian

We have seen recent high-profile instances in which that article of faith has led to damaging errors, as in Rolling Stone's reporting of a rape at the University of Virginia, or the prosecution of the Duke lacrosse case.

The New Yorker

Remedies may be found for the absence of Sunnis by ring-fencing seats for them and staggering voting times in areas like Ramadi, Mosul, and parts of Baghdad - powerful testimony to the damaging errors of Donald Rumsfeld's occupation-lite and nation-building on the cheap.

The Guardian

On the verge of blowing up into an irreparable scandal for Pearce, the self-proclaimed "Tea Party President" and first senate president to face a recall election in American history, a series of blatant efforts by his campaign supporters to fraudulently set up the sham candidacy of Olivia Cortes to undermine his main opponent's support has unraveled into a damaging comedy of errors.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing errors, be specific about the nature of the error and the type and extent of damage caused. Instead of saying "It was a damaging error", elaborate with "The miscalculation was a damaging error, costing the company millions".

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the consequences of the error. While it's important to acknowledge the damage, overstating it can undermine your credibility. Use precise language to describe the impact, not hyperbole.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a damaging error" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "damaging" modifies the noun "error". Ludwig AI identifies this as a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a damaging error" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a mistake that results in harmful consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, business, and general writing. When using this phrase, consider the specific nature and extent of the damage to ensure accurate and impactful communication. Alternatives such as "a costly mistake" or "a harmful blunder" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a costly mistake

Focuses on the financial implications of the error.

a harmful blunder

Emphasizes the negative impact and the clumsiness of the error.

a detrimental oversight

Highlights the neglectful aspect of the error and its damaging effects.

a ruinous fault

Conveys a sense of complete destruction or devastation caused by the error.

a grievous error

Indicates a serious or severe mistake.

a fateful slip

Suggests that the error has significant and unavoidable consequences.

a critical failure

Points to the importance of what went wrong and its damaging effect.

an unfortunate slip-up

Minimizes the error while still acknowledging its negative impact.

a calamitous mistake

Highlights the disastrous nature of the error.

a regrettable lapse

Focuses on the feeling of regret associated with the error.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "a damaging error" in a sentence?

You can use "a damaging error" to describe a mistake that has negative consequences. For example, "The team discovered "a damaging error" in the software that could compromise user data."

What are some alternatives to saying "a damaging error"?

Alternatives include "a costly mistake", "a harmful blunder", or "a detrimental oversight", depending on the specific context.

Is "a damaging error" formal or informal language?

"A damaging error" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news reports, business documents, and general conversation.

What makes an error "damaging"?

An error is considered "damaging" when it results in negative consequences, such as financial loss, reputational harm, or physical damage. The severity of the damage determines the appropriateness of using the phrase.