a lapse in judgment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lapse in judgment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a mistake or error in decision-making, often implying that the error was uncharacteristic or temporary. Example: "His decision to invest in that failing company was a lapse in judgment that cost him a significant amount of money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

This is just a lapse in judgment.

The New York Times

"It was a lapse in judgment and not a racist pun.

The Washington Post

In court he described the episode as a "lapse in judgment.

The Washington Post

Note the reinforcing tone, in spite of what could be seen as a lapse in judgment.

Harvard Business Review

Many point to the contentious case of Cristian Fernandez as an example of overzealousness and a lapse in judgment.

The New York Times

He said Mr. Gorman had been reprimanded for what appeared to be a lapse in judgment surrounding her hiring.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was a lapse in artistic judgment that would have political consequences.

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Smith said he believed the comment resulted from "a lapse in mental judgment" on Mr. Carter's part.

The New York Times

In other words, addiction is not simply a lapse in moral judgment, as a growing number of health practitioners are finally acknowledging; it's a chronic brain disease.

The Guardian

But still others it was simply politics in 2004, that Mr. McGreevey was using this public, personal confession to draw attention from a lapse in professional judgment that he fears will be exposed.

The New York Times

Gillard was guilty of a lapse in professional judgment, not corruption, held the Commissioner.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a lapse in judgment", ensure the context clearly indicates the specific area where the error occurred. For instance, "a lapse in judgment regarding financial matters" provides more clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a lapse in judgment" to downplay serious or intentional misconduct. The phrase is best suited for unintentional errors or momentary failures in reasoning, not deliberate wrongdoing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lapse in judgment" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific instance where someone's ability to make sound decisions falters. Ludwig provides numerous examples showcasing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lapse in judgment" is a frequently used noun phrase to describe a temporary failure in decision-making. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. It often serves to mitigate the severity of an error, suggesting it was an uncharacteristic deviation. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it is also suitable for formal and business settings. To avoid misinterpretations, ensure the context clearly specifies the area where the error occurred, and refrain from using it to downplay serious misconduct.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an error in decision-making

Focuses specifically on the flawed decision itself.

a mistake in assessment

Highlights the incorrect evaluation of a situation.

a moment of indiscretion

Implies a lack of prudence or careful consideration.

a failure of foresight

Emphasizes the inability to anticipate potential consequences.

a slip-up in reasoning

Focuses on a flaw in the logical thought process.

an oversight in planning

Suggests a careless omission during the planning stage.

a blunder in strategy

Implies a significant mistake in a strategic approach.

a miscalculation of risk

Highlights an inaccurate evaluation of potential dangers.

a temporary aberration

Suggests a deviation from normal or expected behavior.

a mental slip

Focuses on the mental aspect of the mistake.

FAQs

How can I use "a lapse in judgment" in a sentence?

You can use "a lapse in judgment" to describe a temporary failure in someone's ability to make sound decisions. For example, "The company's financial troubles were attributed to "a lapse in judgment" by its CEO".

What are some alternatives to saying "a lapse in judgment"?

Alternatives include "an error in decision-making", "a mistake in assessment", or "a moment of indiscretion", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a lapse in judgment" to describe criminal behavior?

While "a lapse in judgment" can be used to acknowledge a mistake, it might not be suitable for describing serious criminal behavior. Terms like "criminal negligence" or "intentional misconduct" might be more appropriate in such cases.

What's the difference between "a lapse in judgment" and "a mistake"?

"A mistake" is a general term for an error. "A lapse in judgment" implies a temporary failure of reasoning or prudence that leads to an error. It suggests a deviation from one's usual good judgment.