significant lapse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "significant lapse" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a notable or considerable failure, gap, or interruption in a process, performance, or behavior. Example: "The report highlighted a significant lapse in safety protocols that led to the incident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

A single significant lapse in this area can be your dominant impression of an entire meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This combination of a significant lapse of supervision with the whole research issue was very, very powerful," he said.

The New York Times

Mr. Mueller has acknowledged that the failure of his agency to fully evaluate the Phoenix memorandum was a significant lapse.

The New York Times

This is a significant lapse, given how hefty the incentive awards of stock or options can be.

The New York Times

In other words, every tourist who visits the city drives past a territory that is barely within the state's control, creating a significant lapse in its security strategy and an ever-present thorn in its side.

The Guardian - Opinion

In America, speaking on the steps of Houston's federal court, defence lawyer Reid Figel couched his clients' crime in modest language, describing it merely as a "significant lapse in judgment".

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The committee has already yielded evidence of significant lapses at both the C.I.A. and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The New York Times

Going beyond mere factual errors, these notes are intended to set right those articles deemed to have suffered "significant lapses of fairness, balance or perspective".

The New York Times

But his plan could exclude millions of people, since it would explicitly guarantee insurance only if they have maintained coverage with no significant lapses.

The New York Times

In July, Singapore authorities said that they had identified significant lapses in anti-money laundering controls at Standard Chartered and two other banks tied to a global investigation into money from a Malaysian sovereign wealth fund.

The New York Times

The NHS body charged with safeguarding confidential health data has announced a rolling programme of spot checks on companies, charities, universities and government bodies that have received medical records after an investigation uncovered "significant lapses" in protecting patient confidentiality.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "significant lapse", ensure the context clearly indicates what area the lapse occurred in. For instance, specify "a significant lapse in security" or "a significant lapse in judgment".

Common error

Avoid using "significant lapse" when a minor or inconsequential error has occurred. Reserve this phrase for situations where the failure has notable consequences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "significant lapse" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "significant" modifies the noun "lapse". It describes a notable failure or omission. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

22%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "significant lapse" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a notable failure or omission. Ludwig AI confirms it's appropriate for written English. It frequently appears in News & Media, Science and Formal & Business contexts. While "significant lapse" is a suitable phrase, be mindful of the severity of the error; reserve it for situations with considerable consequences. Consider using alternatives like "major oversight" or "serious failure" depending on the nuance you want to convey. Be cautious to avoid overstating the significance when a minor issue has occurred, which will ensure accurate and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

major oversight

Emphasizes a failure to notice or prevent something important.

serious failure

Highlights the severity of the failure.

substantial error

Focuses on the magnitude of the mistake.

critical omission

Stresses the importance of what was left out.

notable deficiency

Points out a clear lack or shortage.

marked dereliction

Suggests a deliberate neglect of duty.

considerable failing

Highlights the extent of the shortcoming.

grave negligence

Emphasizes the serious nature of the carelessness.

flagrant violation

Indicates a blatant disregard for rules or standards.

serious breach

Focuses on the breaking of an agreement, law, or standard.

FAQs

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

You can use "significant lapse" to describe a notable failure or omission. For example, "There was a "significant lapse" in security protocols that led to the breach."

What are some alternatives to "significant lapse"?

Alternatives include "major oversight", "serious failure", or "critical omission", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "significant lapse" in formal writing?

Yes, "significant lapse" is suitable for formal writing when describing a serious error or omission. However, ensure it accurately reflects the severity of the situation.

What's the difference between "significant lapse" and "minor error"?

"Significant lapse" implies a serious failure with noticeable consequences, while "minor error" refers to a small, inconsequential mistake. Use "significant lapse" when the failure has a considerable impact.