litany of error

USAGE SUMMARY

'litany of error' is a correct and usable term in written English.
Generally, this term is used to describe a long list of errors or mistakes. For example, you could say "The manager's litany of errors resulted in a drop in profits for the quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

LITANY OF ERROR Record labels were making terrible missteps long before the advent of the digital age.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was an 80-minute litany of errors.

The Guardian - Sport

For this litany of errors, many people in authority owe millions of Americans an apology.

The New York Times

They wrote in court filings that the old lawyers' performance was "abysmal," "shameful" and "marked by a litany of errors".

The New York Times

The litany of errors committed by the All Blacks was uncharacteristic and decisive in South Africa's favour.

Independent

Well, it is widely thought that Romney's political advisers aren't the brightest bulbs — his entire campaign has been a litany of errors.

The New Yorker

When Dread Pirate Roberts, the founder of the Silk Road, was arrested, the criminal complaint revealed a litany of errors, including asking for coding advice under his real name.

The Guardian - Tech

The board of Marks & Spencer, the struggling retailer, was in penitent mood yesterday as directors admitted a litany of errors and a further fall in overall sales.

The Guardian - Business

At the same time former environment secretary Owen Paterson appears for Grassroots Out on the EU's "litany of errors", eco-wise.

The Guardian

Tim Buckley, at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis and who has 25 years of financial markets experience including 17 years at Citigroup, said: "The report is a litany of errors and false assumptions, clearly written ultimately as a disinformation tool.

The Guardian

The report, seen by the Guardian, is "deeply confused and deeply misleading" and a "litany of errors and false assumptions, clearly written ultimately as a disinformation tool", according to two financial experts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "litany of error" when you want to emphasize the repetitiveness and accumulation of mistakes, painting a picture of a situation plagued by numerous faults. It’s suitable for formal analyses, reports, or critiques where a strong negative portrayal is intended.

Common error

Avoid using "litany of error" in contexts where a neutral or objective description of mistakes is needed. The phrase carries a strong negative connotation and should be reserved for situations where you want to highlight the severity and accumulation of errors, not simply acknowledge their presence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "litany of error" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig examples show it describing a series of mistakes. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "litany of error" is a noun phrase that functions to highlight a long series of mistakes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, it serves to critique and emphasize the accumulation of errors. Consider alternatives such as "catalog of mistakes" or "series of blunders" for slightly different shades of meaning, but remember that "litany of error" carries a particularly strong negative connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Catalog of mistakes

Emphasizes a structured or listed collection of errors, similar to an organized inventory.

Series of blunders

Highlights the aspect of foolish or careless mistakes occurring in sequence.

Chain of failures

Focuses on the consecutive nature of unsuccessful attempts, often implying a causal relationship.

Succession of missteps

Underscores the sequential progression of errors, suggesting a lack of stability or direction.

Inventory of faults

Presents a comprehensive listing of defects or weaknesses.

Collection of inaccuracies

Specifically refers to errors in data, information, or reporting.

Compilation of defects

Implies a gathering of flaws or imperfections, often in a manufactured or designed item.

Stream of gaffes

Emphasizes a continuous flow of social or political missteps.

Record of transgressions

Implies a formal or documented list of violations or wrongdoings.

Repertoire of shortcomings

Indicates a range of deficiencies or inadequacies, often in skills or performance.

FAQs

What does "litany of error" mean?

The phrase "litany of error" refers to a long and often tedious list of mistakes or faults. It's used to emphasize the number and severity of the errors.

How can I use "litany of error" in a sentence?

You might say, "The project failed due to a "litany of error" in planning and execution."

What are some synonyms for "litany of error"?

Alternatives include "catalog of mistakes", "series of blunders", or "chain of failures".

Is "litany of error" formal or informal?

"Litany of error" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional or academic contexts rather than casual conversation.