operational error

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operational error" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to mistakes made during the execution of a task or process. An example: "The project was delayed due to an operational error in the scheduling system." Alternative expressions include "procedural mistake" and "execution error."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

He made a lamentable operational error by allowing himself to be photographed carrying a highly sensitive anti-terrorist briefing note.

The Guardian - Opinion

In a statement, the Israeli Army said, "There was an accidental burst of gunfire by the force that followed an operational error".

The New York Times

Microsoft took most of the day yesterday to fix "an operational error" that shut out millions of users from its group of Web sites starting Tuesday night.

The New York Times

Researchers say the virus was accidentally let loose before it was ready, as an operational error made the ransom payments easy to track — including by law enforcement.

The Washington Post

What the aviation agency terms an "operational error" was ascribed to the controller, who was at the Washington Terminal Radar Approach Control at National Airport.

The New York Times

At a briefing in Washington on Wednesday, investigators laid out a chain of events, beginning with an operational error, that appear to have led to the accident.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Results indicated that more familiar faucets correlated with lower levels of assistance from a caregiver, fewer operational errors, and greater levels of operator satisfaction.

BMC Geriatrics

However, to reduce the execution time, the operator must act faster, which may lead to operational errors.

ROBOMECH Journal

Indeed, operational errors can result in inadvertent commanding or the execution of operations that exceed the qualification envelope of the hardware.

Safety Design for Space Systems

The commander has been suspended for operational errors.

The New York Times

Last year, a new manager made changes intended to cut expenses, and the controllers responded by reporting scores of operational errors.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When documenting incidents, clearly specify the "operational error" and its impact to facilitate effective root cause analysis and prevent recurrence.

Common error

Avoid attributing failures solely to "operational errors" without investigating underlying systemic issues like inadequate training or poorly designed processes that contribute to such errors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operational error" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific type of mistake or failure. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "operational error" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe mistakes made during the execution of a task or process. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly valid and usable in written English. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, indicating its relevance in explaining events and analyzing processes. While it's often used neutrally, understanding the underlying causes of an "operational error"—whether systemic or human—is crucial for effective problem-solving and prevention. Alternatives like "procedural mistake" or "execution error" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

procedural mistake

Focuses on the error occurring within established procedures.

execution error

Highlights a mistake during the implementation or carrying out of a task.

system malfunction

Emphasizes a failure or breakdown in a system's intended operation.

technical fault

Indicates an error stemming from a technical aspect or component.

human error

Specifies that the error was caused by a person.

process failure

Highlights the breakdown of a specific process.

implementation mistake

Focuses on errors made during the implementation phase.

oversight

Implies a careless or unintentional failure to notice or do something.

lapse in protocol

Suggests a deviation from established protocols leading to the error.

mistake in procedure

Emphasizes an error within a defined procedure or protocol.

FAQs

How to use "operational error" in a sentence?

You can use "operational error" to describe a mistake made during the execution of a task or process. For instance, "The delay was attributed to an operational error in the supply chain management system."

What can I say instead of "operational error"?

You can use alternatives like "procedural mistake", "execution error", or "system malfunction depending on the specific context".

What's the difference between "operational error" and "human error"?

"Operational error" refers to a mistake during a process, while "human error" specifically indicates the mistake was caused by a person. An "operational error" can be due to various factors, not just human actions.

Is "operational error" a formal or informal term?

"Operational error" is a relatively neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's widely understood and used across various professional fields.