C1nouncrimepolitics
US/læps/
UK/læps/
a small mistake or short failure, for example in attention or judgment; also a period of time that passes
In context
A security lapse allowed hackers to steal millions of voter records.
The minister apologized for a lapse in judgment and resigned.
After a lapse of twenty years, the festival was held again.
Words that go with lapse
noun + noun
- security lapseThe security lapse at the airport is being investigated.
- memory lapseHe blamed the mistake on a memory lapse.
- time lapseThere was a long time lapse between the crime and the trial.
noun + preposition
- lapse in judgmentAccepting the gift was a serious lapse in judgment.
adjective + noun
- momentary lapseA momentary lapse of concentration caused the crash.