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.
lapses
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pluralof lapse.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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present tense formof lapse (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
lapsenounan accidental or temporary decline or deviation from an expected or accepted condition or state; a temporary falling or slipping from a previous standard.
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.
Marc Guehi: But for a couple of lapses, cruised through the game.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
This morning, we bring you new reporting on the multicountry security lapses that preceded the attack.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 5, 2026
But the debate has shifted to safety in recent weeks, after security lapses sparked calls from some industry leaders for development of the technology to be slowed down.
From Barron's ● Sep. 27, 2026
Aging often makes itself visible in familiar ways, from gray hair and wrinkles to lapses in memory.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 4, 2026
“When he began to talk again, it was with greater precision. And now his lapses are very few. His corrections and apologies are very prompt. And his good humor is unfailing.”
From "The Giver" by Lois Lowry
