Lapses
/ˈlæpsɪz/
nounverbB2plural (for noun), third person singular present (for verb)
Definition
A lapse is a short time when something goes wrong, like a mistake or a failure to keep attention or control. It can also mean a period when a rule, agreement, or law stops being effective. When used as a verb, "lapses" means to stop working or to pass from one state to another, often losing power or effect.
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⚡ See It in Action
A small mistake or failure in attention, memory, or behavior
- •He had several lapses in concentration during the exam.
- •The driver’s lapse caused a minor accident.
- •She apologized for her lapse in judgment.
A period when something stops or loses effect (like a law or agreement)
- •The contract lapses if not renewed by the deadline.
- •His membership lapses after one year without payment.
- •Insurance coverage may lapse if premiums are unpaid.
(Verb) To stop being effective or valid; to pass gradually into a different state
- •The subscription lapses at the end of the month.
- •His attention lapses when he is tired.
- •The law lapses after five years unless renewed.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "lapses" like "mistakes" but smaller and often temporary—like a quick slip or forgetfulness
- ✓Picture a clock that suddenly stops for a moment and then starts again—that moment is a lapse
- ✓It's the feeling when you forget a word or lose focus for a few seconds during a test
- ✓Sounds like "laps" → imagine someone running laps but then stopping briefly—that stop is a lapse
- ✓Think of stories where a hero has a moment of weakness or forgetfulness—a lapse that changes the action
- ✓NOT like "error" (which can be big and final), "lapse" is usually small and short
- ✓NOT like "break" (a planned rest), "lapse" is often unplanned and accidental
- ✓NOT like "failure" (complete stop), "lapse" is often temporary and can be fixed
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Error: a wrong action or decision (Use when the mistake is bigger or more serious)
- •Slip: a small, quick mistake (Use when the mistake is very minor and accidental)
- •Failure: not succeeding in something (Use when something stops completely or does not work at all)
- •Pause: a short stop (Use when the stop is planned or intentional, unlike a lapse)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "lapse" (root) + "es" (plural for noun, or third person singular verb ending)
- •Etymology: From Latin "lapsus," meaning "a slipping, falling"
- •Historical development: Used since the 15th century to mean a slip or error in behavior or time
- •Modern usage: Common in law, medicine, and everyday speech to describe small mistakes or temporary stops in function or attention
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Can a lapse sometimes be helpful, like giving a short rest, or is it always bad? Why?
•How do you feel when you notice a lapse in your own attention or memory? What do you do next?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.During the long meeting, he had several lapses in ___ that made him miss important points.
2.If you do not pay your bills on time, your service ___ and stops working.
3.A lapse in ___ can cause accidents when driving or operating machines.
4.The contract ___ automatically if neither side agrees to renew it before the deadline.
5.She felt embarrassed about her lapse of ___ during the presentation.
6.When a law lapses, it ___ to have any legal power or effect.
7.He tried to focus, but his attention ___ for a few seconds before returning.