a major miscalculation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a major miscalculation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a significant error in judgment or calculation that has serious consequences. Example: "The company's decision to expand without proper market research was a major miscalculation that led to significant financial losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It was a major miscalculation.

The Guardian

That was a major miscalculation.

The Guardian

But, in September of 2011, Hastings made a major miscalculation.

The New Yorker

The big risk, as always, is what happens if the North Koreans make a major miscalculation.

The New York Times

The opera then concludes with a mystical ensemble that comes across as a major miscalculation.

The New York Times - Arts

But in doing so, it made a major miscalculation and protected itself only if interest rates rose.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

So Zuckerberg's first instant to dismiss risks of data misuse ended up being a very major miscalculation.

TechCrunch

Indeed, a new heaviness to the design may be the one major miscalculation in the show's transatlantic crossing.

The Guardian

The major miscalculation in "Wonderful World" is the presence of a dream figure, known as the Man (Philip Baker Hall), who appears to Ben now and then as a kind of imaginary therapist.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush's second term failed after his major miscalculation in trying to partially privatize Social Security and his administration's woeful response to the Hurricane Katrina disaster.

The New York Times

Major miscalculation!

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a major miscalculation", ensure the context clearly indicates what was miscalculated and the resulting consequences to highlight the significance of the error.

Common error

Avoid using "a major miscalculation" for minor errors or simple oversights. Reserve this phrase for situations where the miscalculation had significant and demonstrable negative consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a major miscalculation" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a subject complement or an object, describing something identified as a significant error. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples of its application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a major miscalculation" is a versatile phrase used to denote a significant error in judgment or estimation, often leading to adverse outcomes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure that the miscalculation was indeed consequential. Alternatives such as "a significant error in judgment" or "a serious lapse in foresight" can offer similar meanings with subtle variations. By being mindful of these nuances, you can effectively convey the magnitude and impact of the miscalculation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a significant error in judgment

Focuses on the error being related to judgment rather than calculation.

a serious lapse in foresight

Highlights the lack of anticipation as the primary issue.

a grave strategic mistake

Emphasizes the strategic nature and seriousness of the error.

a critical forecasting failure

Pinpoints the failure to accurately predict outcomes.

an egregious planning oversight

Underscores negligence in the planning process.

a monumental blunder

Emphasizes the scale and clumsiness of the mistake.

a colossal estimation error

Highlights the large scale and error in estimation.

a fundamental flaw in assessment

Focuses on the underlying flaw in the assessment process.

a damaging analytical misstep

Highlights the analytical aspect and its negative consequences.

a regrettable predictive misjudgment

Emphasizes the regret associated with the error in prediction.

FAQs

How can I use "a major miscalculation" in a sentence?

Use "a major miscalculation" to describe a significant error in judgment or estimation that leads to negative outcomes. For example: "Their failure to account for market volatility was "a major miscalculation" that cost them millions."

What are some alternatives to "a major miscalculation"?

You can use alternatives like "a significant error in judgment", "a serious lapse in foresight", or "a grave strategic mistake" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "major miscalculation" in formal writing?

Yes, "a major miscalculation" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing strategic errors, forecasting failures, or significant misjudgments. Consider the specific nuance you wish to convey when selecting among alternatives.

What distinguishes "a major miscalculation" from a simple mistake?

"A major miscalculation" implies a consequential error that results from flawed judgment or assessment, whereas a simple mistake might be a minor oversight with limited impact. The word "major" indicates significance and impact.