greatest mistake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greatest mistake" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a significant error or misjudgment that has had considerable consequences. Example: "Looking back on my career, I realize that not pursuing my passion was my greatest mistake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His greatest mistake?

Harvard University

That was my greatest mistake".

The New York Times - Books

What would be our greatest mistake?

The Guardian

It was the greatest mistake we did.

The Guardian

It was, Gottlieb writes, "the greatest mistake of Sarah's life".

The New York Times - Books

What do you consider the greatest mistake of this administration?

The New York Times - Magazine

Juárez then made the greatest mistake of his political career.

Britannica

But the greatest mistake I ever made was with you".

The New York Times - Arts

But Udinese's greatest mistake was actually made two months ago.

The Guardian - Sport

He has said many times it was his greatest mistake.

The New York Times

The authorities' greatest mistake was to keep us together, for together our determination was reinforced.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "greatest mistake", be specific about the context and consequences. Clearly articulate what went wrong and why it had such a significant impact.

Common error

Avoid vague descriptions. Instead of simply stating "it was the greatest mistake", provide concrete details about the actions and their repercussions to emphasize the error's magnitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greatest mistake" functions as a noun phrase, where 'greatest' modifies the noun 'mistake'. This phrase typically identifies a particular error as the most significant or consequential among others. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "greatest mistake" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to the most significant error in a given situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is to highlight the severity and impact of an action. It appears frequently in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki. When using the phrase, it's essential to provide context and specific details to emphasize the error's magnitude and avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "biggest error" or "worst blunder" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Understanding the contexts and communicative purpose of "greatest mistake" allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

biggest error

Focuses on the size or significance of the error.

worst blunder

Emphasizes the clumsiness or lack of care in the mistake.

most significant misjudgment

Highlights the error in judgment that led to the mistake.

biggest regret

Focuses on the feeling of remorse associated with the action.

major failing

Indicates a significant lack of success or effectiveness.

cardinal sin

Implies a fundamental and unforgivable error.

fatal flaw

Highlights a weakness that leads to failure.

ultimate failure

Emphasizes the complete lack of success.

gravest error

Emphasizes the serious or weighty nature of the mistake.

most unfortunate decision

Focuses on the negative consequences stemming from the choice.

FAQs

How can I use "greatest mistake" in a sentence?

You can use "greatest mistake" to refer to a significant error or misjudgment. For example, "His greatest mistake was underestimating his opponent".

What is a good alternative to "greatest mistake"?

Alternatives include "biggest error", "worst blunder", or "most significant misjudgment", depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "greatest mistake" or "biggest mistake"?

Both "greatest mistake" and "biggest mistake" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "greatest mistake" and "biggest regret"?

"Greatest mistake" emphasizes the error in action or judgment, while "biggest regret" focuses on the feeling of remorse associated with the action. They are related but highlight different aspects.