Macmillan Dictionary

Did you know?

Click any word in a definition or example to find the entry for that word

lapse

 - definition
Close

What are red words?

90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 words in speech and writing. These words appear in red, and are graded with stars. One-star words are frequent, two-star words are more frequent, and three-star words are the most frequent.

Close

Thesaurus

The thesaurus of synonyms and related words is fully integrated into the dictionary entries. Click on the T button in an entry to review the synonyms and related words for that meaning.

more
noun [countable] British English pronunciation: lapse /læps/ 
Word Forms
Close
singularlapse
plurallapses
Other entries for this word
  1. 1
    a short or temporary period when you fail or forget to do something in the right way

    The man admitted driving over the speed limit and apologized for the lapse.

    lapse of:

    She was angered by her momentary lapse of control.

    lapse in:

    Today showed that I can have lapses in concentration.

    memory lapse (=a temporary failure to remember something):

    Members of the committee were puzzled by the memory lapses of White House officials.

    security lapse (=a temporary failure in arrangements for people's safety):

    There have been security lapses despite efforts to protect the public.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of lapse
    1. a.
      a gradual or temporary change to a worse or more unusual type of behaviour or activity
      lapse into:

      Carol's lapses into strong language only made her sound immature.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of lapse
  2. 2
    a period of time between two events

    There was a lapse of ten years between his visits.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of lapse
    1. a.
      a temporary pause in an activity

      During a lapse in the conversation, I thanked my host and left.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of lapse

This is the British English definition of lapse. View American English definition of lapse.

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to American English.

View the pronunciation for lapse.

 

cyberloafing

using the Internet where you work, during working hours, for activities which are not work-related

BuzzWord Article

Word of the Day

wane

getting smaller, weaker, or less important

Open Dictionary

show a bit of ankle

… to reveal a small part of your intentions in order to attract support, without actually committing yourself to doing anything

add a word

Blog

A must for anyone with an interest in the changing face of language. The Macmillan Dictionary blog explores English as it is spoken around the world today.

global English and language change from our blog