lapse Definition
- 1a temporary failure or slip in concentration, memory, or judgement
- 2an interval or passage of time
Using lapse: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "lapse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I had a lapse in concentration and forgot what I was going to say.
Example
The company experienced a lapse in profits this quarter.
Example
It's been a lapse of five years since we last saw each other.
Example
He suffered a lapse of memory and couldn't remember where he parked his car.
lapse Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for lapse
- achievement
- perfection
- success
Phrases with lapse
Example
She had a lapse of judgment and decided to drive home after drinking.
Example
The lapse rate of the company's stock price has been steadily declining over the past year.
Example
After the argument, they both lapsed into silence and didn't speak for hours.
Origins of lapse
from Latin 'lapsus', meaning 'a slipping or falling'
Summary: lapse in Brief
The term 'lapse' [laps] refers to a temporary failure or slip in concentration, memory, or judgement, as well as an interval or passage of time. Examples include 'I had a lapse in concentration and forgot what I was going to say,' and 'It's been a lapse of five years since we last saw each other.' Phrases like 'lapse of judgment' denote momentary errors, while 'lapse rate' refers to the rate of decline over time.