a serious misjudgment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious misjudgment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant error in judgment or decision-making that has serious consequences. Example: "The company's decision to ignore the warning signs was a serious misjudgment that ultimately led to its downfall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

That is a serious misjudgment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Introducing a mask law would be a serious misjudgment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Political campaigns that do not recognize this are making a serious misjudgment".

The New York Times

It was a serious misjudgment by Downing Street to start down this legislative road.

The Guardian

And as you continue, you perceive what a serious misjudgment "pallid" is.

The New York Times - Books

It can only boomerang". Pro-Europeans regard the Hitler spoof as a serious misjudgment by the No camp.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

But it is hard to like her refusal to admit any serious misjudgment.

The Economist

Although only the most committed Thatcherites believe it was an act of disloyalty, it was a terminally serious misjudgment about how to play a desperate situation.

The Guardian

Serious misjudgment by the Bank of England or a refusal by voters to back the new terms for EU membership negotiated by Cameron over the next couple of years would provide a bit of hope for Labour that it can recover from last week's crushing election defeat.

The Guardian - Business

"Serious misjudgment," said Keith Vaz, the committee chairman.

The Guardian

'I believe he has been guilty of serious misjudgment,' Graham Allen told The Observer.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a serious misjudgment" to clearly and directly convey that a significant error has been made. This phrase is suitable for expressing disapproval or concern in formal or semi-formal contexts.

Common error

While "a serious misjudgment" is appropriate in many situations, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms like "grave error" or "significant miscalculation" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious misjudgment" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject complement or direct object in a sentence. It identifies a specific instance of poor judgment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious misjudgment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a significant error with negative consequences. Ludwig AI indicates its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral to professional register. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse and consider synonyms to maintain reader engagement. The phrase effectively conveys disapproval and highlights the importance of careful decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a grave error in judgment

Emphasizes the weight and significance of the mistake made.

a significant miscalculation

Focuses on the incorrect assessment or estimation that led to the problem.

a critical oversight

Highlights the neglect of an important factor.

a regrettable blunder

Points out the unfortunate nature of the mistake and the feeling of remorse associated with it.

a major lapse in judgment

Stresses the temporary failure to think clearly or make a sound decision.

a costly mistake

Highlights the negative consequences of the error.

an egregious error

Emphasizes that the error was outstandingly bad or shocking.

a fundamental flaw in reasoning

Indicates a deep and basic problem with the way someone thought about something.

a disastrous decision

Focuses on the extremely negative outcome of the decision.

a failure of foresight

Emphasizes the lack of planning or anticipation that led to the error.

FAQs

How can I use "a serious misjudgment" in a sentence?

You can use "a serious misjudgment" to describe a significant error in decision-making. For instance, "The company's failure to invest in new technology was "a serious misjudgment" that led to a decline in market share."

What are some alternatives to "a serious misjudgment"?

Alternatives include "a grave error in judgment", "a significant miscalculation", or "a critical oversight", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a serious misjudgment"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize that a decision or action was not only wrong but also had significant negative consequences. It suggests that the error was more than just a simple mistake.

Is "serious misjudgement" (without "a") grammatically correct?

While "serious misjudgement" might be understood, it's grammatically preferable to use ""a serious misjudgment"" when referring to a specific instance. "Serious misjudgement" without the article might be used in a more general, abstract sense.