lapse
noun
an accidental or temporary decline or deviation from an expected or accepted condition or state; a temporary falling or slipping from a previous standard.
lapsing
-
present participleof lapse.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Washington Metro demonstrated how a public work can be both infrastructure and symbol without lapsing into overblown architectural propaganda.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 22, 2026
However, this protection comes with limited upside given that it does not eliminate the risk of either poor long-term performance or the policy lapsing.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 1, 2026
The release comes after the expiration of the 2018 Farm Bill extension on Sept. 30, 2023, leaving many programs under the bill vulnerable to lapsing as the year-end deadline approaches.
From Salon ● Nov. 20, 2024
It’s a gesture that keeps the film from lapsing into melodrama.
From New York Times ● May 9, 2024
“Yes’m,” he said, lapsing back into lazy English.
From "Copper Sun" by Sharon M. Draper
