Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mistake, something that is incorrect: An "error" is something that is wrong, not accurate, or not as intended. It refers to an action, judgment, or piece of information that is mistaken.
   • A failure in a system or process: In computing and technology, an "error" is a condition where a program or system produces an incorrect result or fails to operate correctly.
   • A deviation from a standard or code: An "error" can be a departure from accepted rules, such as ethical standards or the rules of a game.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • There is a spelling error in the third paragraph.
  • The software crashed due to a programming error.
  • The umpire admitted he had made an error in his call.
  • He realized his error in judgment too late.

Advanced Usage

• "Trial and error": a method of solving a problem by trying different solutions until one succeeds.
  • We learned how to fix the machine through trial and error.
• "In error": by mistake; incorrectly.
  • The letter was sent to the wrong address in error.
• "Margin of error": the amount by which a calculation or measurement can be wrong and still be acceptable.
  • The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus three percent.

Variants and Related Words

• Erroneous (adj): wrong; incorrect.
  • He acted on an erroneous assumption.
• Errorless (adj): containing no errors; perfect.
  • She completed an errorless performance.

Synonyms

• Mistake: an action or judgment that is misguided or wrong.
• Blunder: a stupid or careless mistake.
• Fault: responsibility for a mistake or offense; a defect.

Related Phrases

• See the error of one's ways: to realize that one has been thinking or acting wrongly and decide to change.
  • After the accident, he finally saw the error of his ways and started driving more carefully.
• Human error: a mistake made by a person rather than by a machine.
  • The investigation concluded the crash was caused by pilot error.

Noun

1. part of a statement that is not correct
   • the book was full of errors
2. (computer science) the occurrence of an incorrect result produced by a computer
3. departure from what is ethically acceptable
4. (baseball) a failure of a defensive player to make an out when normal play would have sufficed
5. a misconception resulting from incorrect information
6. inadvertent incorrectness
7. a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
   • he made a bad mistake
   • she was quick to point out my errors
   • I could understand his English in spite of his grammatical faults