error in judgment

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "error in judgment" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a mistake made in decision-making or evaluation. Example: "His decision to invest in that failing company was clearly an error in judgment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was no error in judgment.

The New York Times

Your error in judgment is deplorable.

The New York Times

That stood for Error in Judgment.

The New York Times - Arts

Was it an error in judgment?

The New York Times

This is a terrible error in judgment.

The New York Times

He made an error in judgment.

The New York Times - Sports

That is, until I made a tragic error in judgment.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Somebody at Lexus made an error in judgment.

The Guardian

He has since called that action an error in judgment.

The New York Times - Sports

"He made a colossal error in judgment that he recognizes.

The New York Times

A kerfuffle ensues over Oppen's error in judgment.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "error in judgment", ensure the context clearly indicates whose judgment is being questioned and the specific area of the misjudgment.

Common error

Avoid using "error in judgment" as a weak euphemism for more serious misconduct. Be direct and specific if the situation warrants stronger language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "error in judgment" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as the object of a verb or preposition. It identifies a specific instance where someone's decision-making process was flawed, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "error in judgment" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe a mistake or flaw in someone's decision-making. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as in formal business contexts. While alternatives like "mistake in assessment" or "faulty decision" exist, "error in judgment" offers a neutral yet slightly formal tone. It's important to use this phrase accurately, ensuring the context clearly indicates whose judgment is being questioned. Avoid employing it as a weak euphemism for more serious wrongdoings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Mistake in assessment

Focuses on the incorrect evaluation or appraisal of a situation or person.

Faulty decision

Emphasizes the flawed nature of a choice or determination made.

Poor decision-making

Highlights a deficiency or inadequacy in the process of selecting a course of action.

Miscalculation

Points to an inaccurate or incorrect calculation, often leading to an unfavorable outcome.

Bad call

Informal way to describe a wrong or inappropriate decision.

Tactical blunder

Highlights a significant error in strategy or planning.

Strategic misstep

Focuses on a mistake that compromises a broader plan or objective.

Oversight

Suggests a failure to notice or consider something important.

Indiscretion

Highlights a lack of prudence or good judgment, especially in behavior or speech.

Imprudence

Emphasizes the lack of wisdom or caution in a decision or action.

FAQs

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

You can use "error in judgment" to describe a poor decision or mistake, such as, "The manager admitted that hiring the unqualified candidate was an "error in judgment"".

What are some alternatives to "error in judgment"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "mistake in assessment", "faulty decision", or "poor decision-making" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "error in judgment" the same as "mistake in judgment"?

While both phrases are similar, "error in judgment" might suggest a more significant or consequential mistake than a simple "mistake in judgment".

When is it appropriate to use "error in judgment" in professional writing?

It's appropriate to use "error in judgment" in professional writing when you need to acknowledge a mistake in a formal or neutral tone without assigning blame, as in, "The committee concluded that the project's failure was due to an "error in judgment" during the planning phase".