human error

American  

[hyoo-muhn er-er] / ˈhyu mən ˈɛr ər /

noun

plural

human errors

1. a mistake made by a human worker or the propensity of humans to make such mistakes, as opposed to the failure of mechanical or electronic systems or devices.

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Other Word Forms

• human-error
  adjective

Example Sentences

There was no fraud, just human error — which would soon be publicly confirmed through a hand count of the county’s ballots.

From Salon • Apr. 14, 2026

"This was a release packaging issue caused by human error, not a security breach."

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

One explanation for someone else’s information appearing on your tax return is simple human error.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 1, 2026

They met with Pearson, which, according to the college, apologised and said the problem was caused by human error, but that a large number of examiners marked the papers.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Although many people greeted the new forensic sciences with reverence, attributing to them a godlike power, they were often susceptible to human error.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann