Definition

Adjective: - Likely to make mistakes; having a tendency to be inaccurate or faulty. Describes a person, process, or system that is susceptible to errors.

Usage

The adjective "error-prone" is used to describe a subject that is inherently disposed to making errors. It is typically placed before a noun or used after a linking verb. - It is often applied to human tasks, manual processes, software code, or complex systems where mistakes are common. - It carries a negative connotation, suggesting a flaw or weakness that needs correction or mitigation.

Examples

• Before a noun:
  • Manual data entry is an error-prone task.
  • The team identified the error-prone module in the software.
• After a linking verb:
  • This method is error-prone and inefficient.
  • Without proper checks, the entire process becomes error-prone.

Advanced Usage

• "to be error-prone": This is the standard construction to state a characteristic.
  • The old filing system was highly error-prone.
• Comparative and Superlative Forms: While less common, "more error-prone" and "most error-prone" can be used.
  • The initial design was more error-prone than the revised version.

Variants and Related Words

• Fallible (adj): Capable of making mistakes or being wrong. (Often used for people or human judgment).
  • All witnesses are fallible.
• Faulty (adj): Containing a fault or defect; imperfect. (More general, not exclusively about making mistakes).
  • The conclusion was based on faulty data.

Synonyms

• Mistake-prone
• Unreliable (in contexts where errors lead to unreliability)
• Imperfect

Antonyms

• Error-free
• Foolproof
• Reliable
• Accurate

Related Phrases

• Prone to error: A phrase with identical meaning to "error-prone."
  • The procedure is prone to error if not followed exactly.

Adjective

1. capable of making an error
   • all men are error-prone