WordGarden.iolapse
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈæps/
US
- /ˈlæps/
Meanings
Noun
a temporary failure of memory or attention
the ending of coverage, membership, or validity because it was not renewed in time
an interval or passage of time
More meaningsFewer meanings
a temporary slip from expected standards, discipline, or proper conduct
Verb
to stop being valid because renewal, payment, or action did not happen in time
to slip or drift into another state, habit, or condition
Beyond the definition
A lapse in judgment is a momentary mistake, like accidentally saying something you shouldn't or forgetting an important appointment. It's not a total failure, just a brief stumble. Think of it as a small crack appearing in otherwise solid behavior. A security lapse might mean someone left a door unlocked, and a lapse in concentration could cause you to miss an important detail. Sometimes these things happen when we are tired or stressed, but they can also happen even when we're trying our best.
Imagine a marathon runner who briefly slows down—that's a lapse in pace. Or a chef who momentarily forgets an ingredient—a lapse in following a recipe. These aren't deal-breakers, just temporary slips. The phrase "lapse into silence" describes falling back into quietness after a period of talking.
A lapse refers to a temporary failure in concentration, judgment, or behavior. It's not a complete breakdown, but rather a brief and often unintentional deviation from what is expected or desired. For example: "There was a security lapse at the airport that allowed the suspect to slip through," meaning there was a momentary weakness in the security system.
Lapse can also describe an interval of time during which something stops for a while. "A lapse in communication" refers to a period when people stop talking to each other. Or, "After a brief lapse, she returned to her studies," indicating a pause before resuming her work.
The word often carries a sense of regret or mild criticism. A "lapse of memory" isn't just forgetting something; it suggests you should have remembered it. Similarly, a "moral lapse" implies a temporary abandonment of ethical principles. It's not necessarily a permanent character flaw, but a momentary weakness.
You might also hear "lapse into" used to describe falling back into an old habit or state. For example: "He lapsed into depression after the loss of his job," implying he returned to a previous state of mind. Or, "She lapsed into Spanish when she got excited."
So, whether it's a momentary error in judgment, a gap in time, or a return to a previous condition, a lapse signifies a temporary break from consistency—a brief stumble on the path of expectation.
Examples
- 1
Memory lapse
I had a brief lapse and forgot where I had put my keys.
- 2
Concentration lapse
A lapse in concentration caused him to miss the turn.
- Patternlapse in + area
a short failure or weakness in that area
- 3
Judgment lapse
Calling the client by the wrong name was a serious lapse in judgment.
- 4
Return after pause
After a lapse of several years, she returned to painting.
- Patternafter a lapse of + time
after a period when something did not happen
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Subscription renewal
My subscription will lapse at the end of the month unless I renew it.
- 6
Insurance renewal
He let his car insurance lapse and had to pay a fine.
- Patternlet X lapse
allow X to end by not renewing it
- 7
Falling silent
The conversation lapsed into silence.
- 8
Old habits
After a stressful week, she lapsed back into her old habit of smoking.
- Patternlapse back into + bad habit/state
return to it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- attentiveness
- sound judgment
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- lapse in judgment
- lapse in concentration
- lapse of memory
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- lapsenounverb
Forms
- lapsedpast tenseverbnoun
- lapsespluralnounverb
- lapsing-ing formverbnoun