a significant blunder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a significant blunder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a major mistake or error in judgment or action. Example: "The team's failure to prepare adequately for the presentation was a significant blunder that cost them the contract."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was a significant blunder, but Carlos recovered, explaining that this was the price he had paid for multiple certificates, not just one.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Its only significant blunder to date occurred during its alliance with Facebook in September 2011, when it prioritised sharing over privacy.

The Guardian - Tech

The former Aston Villa midfielder scored the opener against Palace with a well hit shot from distance, though, for the second successive game, a Wayne Hennessey blunder offered a significant helping hand.

The Guardian - Sport

This was always a fragile minority view, and it has become a significant piece of the collateral damage inflicted by the Administration's blunders in Iraq.

The New Yorker

They were distracted by the Iraqi intervention, which was a genuine strategic blunder, and in those years of distraction the Hamid Karzai government went rogue on its western backers and became a significant part of the problem itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a letter to the state natural resources chief, four Colorado legislators denounced "this significant scientific blunder" as a waste of taxpayer dollars.

The New York Times

A myth, based on a blunder.

The New Yorker

Youth is a blunder; Manhood a struggle; Old Age a regret.

Forbes

"This is more of a blunder than a crime.

The New York Times

Treating plagiarism as a side issue was an uncharacteristic blunder on her part.

The Economist

But 10... Ne4 was a bad idea, and 12... Qa2 was a blunder.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a significant blunder" when you want to emphasize that a mistake had substantial consequences or implications, rather than just being a minor slip-up.

Common error

Avoid using "a significant blunder" for minor errors or inconsequential mistakes; reserve it for situations where the error genuinely had a noticeable impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a significant blunder" functions as a noun phrase, where "significant" modifies the noun "blunder". It is used to describe a mistake or error that has important or serious consequences. As Ludwig suggests, this term is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a significant blunder" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a mistake with notable consequences. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is considered correct and functions as a noun phrase emphasizing the seriousness of an error. While relatively rare in overall usage, it's most commonly found in News & Media, where the impact of events and decisions is analyzed. When writing, reserve this phrase for instances where the mistake truly had major repercussions, distinguishing it from minor errors. Alternatives like ""a major error"" or ""a serious mistake"" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major error

Focuses on the mistake being large in scale or impact.

a serious mistake

Emphasizes the gravity and potential consequences of the error.

a critical oversight

Highlights the failure to notice something important, leading to negative outcomes.

a grave miscalculation

Focuses on the flawed reasoning or judgment behind the mistake.

a costly mistake

Emphasizes the negative consequences, particularly in terms of resources or opportunities lost.

a regrettable error

Highlights the feeling of disappointment or remorse associated with the mistake.

a monumental lapse

Implies a failure of attention or memory with significant repercussions.

a terrible misjudgment

Focuses on poor assessment or decision-making leading to negative consequences.

a strategic failure

Highlights a mistake that undermines a broader plan or objective.

a glaring error

Focuses on how the mistake is easily noticeable or obvious.

FAQs

How can I use "a significant blunder" in a sentence?

You can use "a significant blunder" to describe a mistake that has major consequences. For example: "Failing to secure the necessary funding was "a significant blunder" that set the project back by months."

What are some alternatives to "a significant blunder"?

Alternatives include "a major error", "a serious mistake", or "a critical oversight". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of the mistake you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a significant blunder" in formal writing?

Yes, "a significant blunder" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing errors or failures in business, politics, or other serious contexts. It conveys a strong sense of the impact of the mistake.

What's the difference between "a significant blunder" and "a minor mistake"?

"A significant blunder" implies serious consequences or a large impact, while "a minor mistake" suggests a small, easily corrected error with little to no lasting effect. The choice depends on the actual severity of the error.