momentary error

USAGE SUMMARY

"momentary error" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a brief or temporary mistake or malfunction. An example: "The system experienced a momentary error, but it quickly recovered." Alternative expressions include "temporary error" and "brief error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But the single, momentary error is a suspension of belief too far.

The Guardian - Sport

Now, pain, guilt and sheer embarrassment over his horrific, momentary error had squelched any desire in my bedridden father to fight for some semblance of geriatric wellness.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Our results show that, before reaching the new equilibrium, and especially at the early stages of the adaptive process, there is no simple relationship between the momentary degree of adaptation and the new error rate at which a population evolves.

Plosone

But in some occupations, like operating a giant crane or piloting an aircraft, the consequences can be devastating.Human errors are often put down to a momentary loss of concentration.

The Economist

Although pilot error was clearly the main factor, bad weather and momentary instrument failure contributed to the panic.

BBC

Interval coding has been criticized when used in other settings for producing more systemic errors than alternative time sampling methods, such as momentary sampling.

Addiction

Its momentary aspect is defined by the real-time collection of information, in this case about PA, which minimizes errors caused by the necessity of recalling what had happened in the past.

BioMed Research International

Momentary aberration?

The Guardian - Books

This gave declarer momentary hope.

The New York Times

It is a momentary reprieve.

The New York Times - Books

If so, it's momentary.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific or technical writing, pair this phrase with the cause of the brevity, such as a transient signal or a temporary sensor failure.

Common error

Avoid using "momentous error" if you mean a mistake that lasted for a second. A "momentous error" is a mistake of great importance or consequence, regardless of how long it took to commit.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "momentary error" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It combines an attributive adjective with a count noun to specify the temporal nature of a mistake. According to Ludwig, it is often modified by further adjectives like "horrific" or "single" to add emotional or numerical weight.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Professional

15%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Informal Conversation

3%

Reference Materials

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "momentary error" is a sophisticated tool for writers who need to describe a brief but potentially impactful mistake. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely utilized in elite journalism and scientific literature. While it is statistically "Rare" compared to more generic terms, its presence in sources like The New Yorker and The New York Times underscores its value in high-level English. It is most effective when contrasting a single point of failure against an otherwise stable or successful performance. Writers should be careful not to confuse it with "momentous", as the two words convey vastly different meanings regarding duration versus significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

momentary lapse

Emphasizes a failure in concentration or judgment rather than a technical error.

brief mistake

Uses more common vocabulary while retaining the exact meaning.

fleeting slip

Suggests a minor, almost unnoticeable error that passes quickly.

temporary oversight

Focuses on the failure to notice something rather than a proactive mistake.

momentary aberration

More formal; suggests a departure from one's normal behavior or standards.

passing blunder

Implies a more serious or embarrassing mistake that is nonetheless brief.

short-lived inaccuracy

More technical or descriptive regarding the lack of correctness.

transient fault

Often used in technical or scientific contexts to describe a non-permanent failure.

momentary glitch

Less formal and specifically suggests a technical or mechanical hiccup.

brief lapse in judgment

Explicitly identifies the source of the error as a cognitive failure.

FAQs

How do I use "momentary error" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a brief slip, such as: "The athlete's loss was attributed to a single, "momentary error" during the final lap."

Is "momentary error" formal enough for a report?

Yes, it is highly appropriate for professional and academic reports. You might also consider using "temporary oversight" for a slightly softer tone.

What is the difference between a "momentary error" and a "systemic error"?

A "momentary error" is a one-time, brief event, whereas a "systemic error" is an inherent flaw in a process or system that causes consistent inaccuracies.

Can I say "momentary lapse" instead?

Yes, "momentary lapse" is a very common synonym, often specifically used when referring to a person's focus or memory.