lapse
20 synonyms and 0 antonyms for lapse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A brief slip or failure, especially a temporary lowering of standards or attention.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lapse
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin lapsus, "a slipping or falling," from labi, "to slip." A doublet of the word "lapsus."
Full origin of lapse →Frequently asked questions
What does “lapse” mean?
The word “lapse” means a brief slip or failure, especially a temporary lowering of standards or attention. In plain terms, a small slip-up, or a right/agreement quietly running out because nobody kept it going.
How do you pronounce “lapse”?
“Lapse” is pronounced laps (/læps/ in IPA).
How do you use “lapse” in a sentence?
Here is “lapse” used in a sentence: “Forgetting her name was just a momentary lapse.”
What part of speech is “lapse”?
Depending on how it is used, “lapse” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “lapse” come from?
The word “lapse” comes from Latin. From Latin lapsus, "a slipping or falling," from labi, "to slip." A doublet of the word "lapsus.".
Is “lapse” a common word?
“Lapse” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “lapse” have?
“Lapse” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a brief slip or failure, especially a temporary lowering of standards or attention.