a fatal error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fatal error" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in technical contexts, particularly in computing, to describe a serious error that causes a program or system to crash or fail. Example: "The application crashed unexpectedly due to a fatal error in the code."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(A fatal error).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Now the declarer made a fatal error.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Sharon could commit a fatal error.

The New York Times

Auken demonstrated that this was a fatal error.

The New York Times - Arts

(Playing even one trump would be a fatal error).

The New York Times - Arts

What can we call a fatal error in history?

The Guardian - Opinion

Another top heart would have been a fatal error here.

The New York Times - Arts

"That to my mind is a fatal error," the judge says.

The New York Times

And in a long race, that was ultimately a fatal error.

The New Yorker

But East could not resist the temptation to cover with the 10, a fatal error.

The New York Times - Arts

On Friday, he said it was a "fatal error to confuse people with their governments".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a fatal error", ensure the context clearly indicates what specific outcome is rendered impossible or irreversibly damaged by the error. For example, specify if it leads to system failure, project cancellation, or loss of life.

Common error

Avoid using "a fatal error" for minor inconveniences or easily correctable issues. Reserve it for situations where the consequences are truly significant and irreparable. Using stronger language where a milder term is suitable can diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

A fatal error functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it identifies a critical mistake or flaw that has destructive consequences, leading to failure or irreversible damage. It's used to describe situations where the outcome is significantly and negatively impacted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a fatal error" is a noun phrase that denotes a critical mistake with severe and irreversible consequences. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, primarily in News & Media and Science contexts. When using "a fatal error", reserve it for situations where the consequences are truly significant, avoid overstating the severity of the error, and ensure the context clearly indicates the outcome impacted. Alternatives such as "a critical mistake" or "a deadly blunder" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a critical mistake

Emphasizes the severity and importance of the error.

a deadly blunder

Highlights the potentially catastrophic consequences of the mistake.

a catastrophic failure

Focuses on the complete breakdown or collapse resulting from the error.

an irreversible mistake

Indicates that the error cannot be undone or corrected.

a terminal flaw

Suggests that the error is inherent and ultimately destructive.

a grave miscalculation

Underlines the error in judgment or assessment.

a ruinous oversight

Highlights the negligence or failure to notice something important.

a devastating error

Emphasizes the widespread and severe damage caused by the mistake.

a costly mistake

Focuses on the negative financial or resource-related consequences of the error.

an egregious fault

Emphasizes that the fault is outstandingly bad or shocking.

FAQs

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

Use "a fatal error" to describe a critical mistake that leads to severe, irreversible consequences. For example: "The software crash was due to "a fatal error" in the coding."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "a fatal error"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a critical mistake", "a deadly blunder", or "a catastrophic failure".

When is it appropriate to use "a fatal error"?

It's appropriate when describing a mistake or error that results in a complete system failure, project failure, or any outcome that cannot be reversed or easily fixed.

What makes "a fatal error" different from a regular error?

Unlike a regular error that can be corrected, "a fatal error" indicates a problem that is so severe that it causes an immediate halt or collapse of the process or system affected. It is essentially irreparable.