Lapsed: meaning, definitions and examples

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lapsed

 

[ læpst ]

Adjective / Verb
Context #1 | Adjective

time period

Lapsed refers to something that has expired, fallen into disuse, or has been allowed to come to an end. This term is often used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that a certain time frame has elapsed and an opportunity or agreement is no longer valid. It can also describe a state of having lost a previous standing or quality. Lapsed can be applied to discussions around contracts, subscriptions, or even timeframes for actions that were expected but were not completed.

Synonyms

expired, outdated, overdue

Examples of usage

  • My subscription has lapsed due to non-payment.
  • The lapsed deadline means the project cannot proceed.
  • Their membership lapsed last year.
Context #2 | Verb

lost status

To lapse means to fall away from a previous position or status, often in reference to rights or privileges that were once held. It indicates a process where something gradually declines or ceases to exist due to inaction or the passage of time. This can happen in various contexts, including legal rights, positions in organizations, or even informal agreements. The verb can also refer to the act of drifting or falling into a less desirable state.

Synonyms

decline, fade, fall off

Examples of usage

  • He lapsed into silence after the argument.
  • Her privileges lapsed after she was absent for too long.
  • The organization fell into chaos as trusted leadership lapsed.

Translations

Translations of the word "lapsed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perdido

🇮🇳 समय समाप्त

🇩🇪 verfallen

🇮🇩 hilang

🇺🇦 втрачене

🇵🇱 stracony

🇯🇵 失われた

🇫🇷 perdu

🇪🇸 perdido

🇹🇷 kaybolmuş

🇰🇷 잃어버린

🇸🇦 مفقود

🇨🇿 ztracený

🇸🇰 stratený

🇨🇳 丢失的

🇸🇮 izgubljen

🇮🇸 tapaður

🇰🇿 жоғалған

🇬🇪 დაკარგული

🇦🇿 itirilmiş

🇲🇽 perdido

Etymology

The word 'lapsed' originates from the Latin term 'lapsus', which means 'a slip or fall'. In the Middle Ages, it evolved within Old French as 'laps', leading to its current form in Middle English as 'lapse'. Initially, it was used in the context of time, denoting a falling away or slipping past, and eventually broadened to encompass various contexts where a state or condition is lost or has expired. Through its use in legal and formal contexts, it has maintained a strong presence in discussions surrounding contracts, privileges, and agreements, emphasizing the importance of timeliness in various undertakings.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,817, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.