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Lapse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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lapse

[læps ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

time

a temporary failure or decline in performance; a slip or error

Synonyms

error, failure, slip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lapse

Used to describe a temporary lack of attention or a small mistake, often in behavior or judgment.

  • She had a momentary lapse in concentration and missed the turn
  • His lapse in judgment cost him the promotion
failure

Used to describe the lack of success in achieving a goal or the malfunctioning of an item. Often has a negative connotation.

  • The mission was deemed a failure due to unforeseen complications
  • His repeated failures to meet deadlines worried his boss
slip

Refers to minor or slight mistakes, often related to informal or fleeting actions. The connotation is generally less severe than that of 'error' or 'failure'.

  • He made a slip of the tongue during his speech
  • It was just a slip; he didn't mean to say that
error

Generally used to refer to mistakes in facts, calculations, or actions. Can be used in both everyday and technical contexts.

  • There was an error in the report that needed correction
  • The software had a serious error that caused it to crash

Examples of usage

  • After a brief lapse in concentration, she regained her focus and continued working.
  • The company experienced a lapse in sales due to the economic downturn.
Context #2 | Noun

law

the termination of a right or privilege through disuse, neglect, or failure to meet a deadline

Synonyms

expiration, forfeiture, termination.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lapse

This word is often used when there is a temporary failure or gap in judgment, memory, or behavior. It indicates a brief or minor failure.

  • She had a lapse in memory and forgot the meeting.
  • There was a brief lapse in security, but no harm was done.
termination

This word is typically used in formal situations to describe the end of something, such as a contract, employment, or process. It implies a definitive end.

  • The contract will be subjected to termination if either party fails to comply with the terms.
  • He faced termination from his job after multiple warnings.
expiration

This word is most commonly used to describe the end of a period during which something is valid, such as a contract, document, or product. It means that the time limit for something has ended.

  • The expiration date on the milk was yesterday.
  • Check the expiration of your driver’s license to ensure it is still valid.
forfeiture

Forfeiture is used when there is a loss or giving up of something, usually as a consequence of a rule or law being broken. This word has a negative connotation.

  • His criminal activity resulted in the forfeiture of his assets.
  • Failure to meet the terms of the agreement may result in forfeiture of the deposit.

Examples of usage

  • The insurance policy lapsed after the premium was not paid on time.
  • The contract had a clause specifying what would happen in case of a lapse in payment.
Context #3 | Verb

time

to come to an end; to fall into a specified state, typically one that is less desirable

Synonyms

decline, diminish, weaken.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
lapse

Appropriate in contexts where there's a temporary failure or a brief break in continuity. It implies a drop in performance or attention, often for a short time.

  • He had a momentary lapse in concentration during the meeting.
  • Her memory lapse caused her to forget the appointment.
decline

Used in situations describing a gradual decrease in quality, quantity, or importance. Often used when talking about health, economy, or social conditions.

  • There has been a steady decline in the nation's manufacturing sector.
  • His health has been in decline since last year.
diminish

Fits contexts where something is reducing in size, importance, or intensity. It often expresses reduction in value or strength.

  • Her enthusiasm for the project diminished over time.
  • The star’s brightness seems to diminish as the night goes on.
weaken

Appropriate when discussing a reduction in strength, energy, or effectiveness. Often used in health, strategic, or structural contexts.

  • The illness weakened his immune system.
  • Lack of support is starting to weaken her resolve.

Examples of usage

  • His attention to detail began to lapse as the project deadline approached.
  • She felt her energy levels lapse after a long day at work.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Cognitive lapses can occur due to stress, fatigue, or distraction, affecting memory and focus.
  • Studies show that taking breaks can actually help improve attention and prevent these lapses.
  • The concept of 'mind wandering' relates to lapses in attention, where the mind drifts away from the task at hand.

Law

  • In legal terms, a 'lapse' can refer to a failure to perform an act within a specified time frame, such as a contract or will.
  • A 'lapse in judgment' is a commonly used phrase in law where a mistake is made during decision-making.
  • Statutory lapses can result in the loss of legal rights if not acted upon within a designated period.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often experience lapses that lead to plot developments, such as lapses in memory or trust.
  • Notable authors use the theme of lapses to enhance conflict within their stories, particularly in psychological dramas.
  • The term is frequently employed in poetry to reflect moments of forgetfulness or fleeting time.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'a lapse in concentration' is common in comedy routines, often leading to humorous situations.
  • In films, a character's lapse often serves as a critical turning point in the narrative, prompting self-reflection.
  • Music lyrics often explore themes of forgetting or losing track of time, embodying the essence of a lapse.

Origin of 'lapse'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'lapse' comes from the Latin word 'lapsus,' which means 'a slipping' or 'a falling.'
  • It has been used in English since the 15th century, primarily meaning a slip or error.
  • Originally, it was often used to describe a fall or decline in moral or physical standards.

The word 'lapse' originated in the late 16th century from the Latin word 'lapsus', which means 'a falling or slipping'. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings related to failure, termination, and decline. In modern usage, 'lapse' is commonly used in contexts related to time, law, and personal performance.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,639 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.