professional lapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "professional lapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a temporary failure or mistake in professional conduct or judgment. Example: "The manager's professional lapse during the meeting led to a misunderstanding among the team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Nothing in Ruffalo's plain-dealing performance casts any light on the vanity or delusion that must have been behind this baffling professional lapse.

The Guardian - Film

And since we've witnessed this eruption of curiosity in Dr. Melfi, we're not completely surprised that, in a big professional lapse the next day, she tells her patient that she was at his neighbors' the night before.

The New Yorker

Worse than that, the professional lapse that cost him his high-level position in the South Korean Foreign Ministry required a public apology from the president at the time, Kim Dae-jung.

The New York Times

The new case in Texas indicated a professional lapse that may have caused other health workers at the hospital to also be infected, said the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDCCenters for Disease Control and Prevention CDC

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Nor is he one of those who prizes the beauty of Kapuscinski's prose over his professional lapses.

The Economist

"All along, the media has been operating in an unstructured fashion which has led to ethical and professional lapses on the part of the some media practitioners," the Information Department said in a statement quoted in The Herald.

The New York Times

"While we do not deny that the lapses of certain journalists contributed to the tragic end, filing criminal charges against reporters because of ethical or professional lapses — in effect, criminalizing the weaknesses of the media — sets a dangerous precedent," Nestor Burgos, the group's chairman, said in a telephone interview.

The New York Times

He concentrated on paranoia, but developed a reputation among colleagues at the university, where he taught, and among patients, for a quirkiness of character and professional lapses that made him, among the city's intelligentsia, something of a figure of fun.

The New York Times

I found that Lelyveld's determined attempt to search down the sources of his professional lapses and personal pain presented a refreshing and often moving contrast not only to the grand pooh-bahs of your own occasionally bloviating newspaper but to others.

The New York Times

He concentrated on paranoia but developed a reputation among colleagues at the university, where he taught, and among patients for a quirkiness of character and professional lapses that made him, among the city's intelligentsia, something of a figure of fun.

The New York Times

Some of the allegations, of personal rather than professional lapses, may well be phony and fueled by politics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing a "professional lapse", be specific about the nature of the error and its consequences to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the impact of a "professional lapse". Accurately assess the situation and describe the error without unnecessary alarm.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "professional lapse" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific instance of failure or error within a professional context. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in describing incidents within various fields.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "professional lapse" describes a failure or error in judgment within a professional context. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriate usage across various sectors, including news, science, and business. While the phrase is not as widespread as some alternatives, its precision makes it a valuable term for describing specific instances of professional misconduct or errors. When using this phrase, ensure you provide context to highlight the specific nature and consequences of the "professional lapse".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failure in professional judgment

Specifically points to a mistake made in the application of professional expertise.

lapse in professional ethics

Specifically targets a deviation from ethical principles guiding professional behavior.

professional misconduct

Emphasizes improper behavior that violates professional standards.

professional negligence

Indicates a failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent professional would exercise.

breach of professional standards

Highlights the violation of established guidelines and expectations in a profession.

error in professional practice

Highlights a mistake or deviation from accepted professional norms.

ethical breach

Focuses specifically on violations of ethical codes within a profession.

oversight in professional duties

Suggests a careless or unintentional failure to perform required tasks.

dereliction of duty

Indicates a failure to fulfill one's responsibilities in a professional role.

professional failing

A general term for a shortcoming or deficiency in professional conduct.

FAQs

How can I use "professional lapse" in a sentence?

You might say, "The investigation revealed a significant "professional lapse" in the handling of the client's account".

What's a good alternative for "professional lapse"?

Consider using "failure in professional judgment" or "ethical breach" depending on the context.

What does "professional lapse" typically involve?

A "professional lapse" usually involves a mistake or error in judgment that violates expected standards of conduct in a specific profession.

Is "professional lapse" a serious accusation?

The seriousness depends on the context, but it generally implies a deviation from accepted professional standards that could have consequences. "Professional misconduct" may be more serious.