Definition

1. Noun:
   • A minor inadvertent mistake: A small, unintentional error, often observed in speech, writing, small accidents, or memory lapses. It implies a slight failure or oversight.

Usage

• slip-up is a countable noun. It is often used in informal contexts to describe a small, usually harmless, mistake.
• It is commonly used with verbs like make, have, or experience.
• Example structure: .

Examples

• Noun:
  • There was a small slip-up in the report; the date was incorrect.
  • I apologize for the slip-up; I forgot to include your name on the list.
  • Everyone makes the occasional slip-up; it's only human.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a slip-up": to experience or be responsible for a minor mistake.
  • The chef had a slip-up and added salt instead of sugar.
• "a costly slip-up": a minor mistake that leads to significant negative consequences.
  • Forgetting to save the document was a costly slip-up.

Variants and Related Words

• Slip (n/verb): Can also mean a minor mistake or error, or the act of making one. (e.g., ).
• Slip-up is considered a more informal variant of slip when referring to an error.

Synonyms

• Blunder: A careless or stupid mistake (often implies a more serious error than a slip-up).
• Gaffe: An unintentional social or diplomatic mistake.
• Lapse: A temporary failure of concentration, memory, or judgment.
• Error: A more general term for a mistake.

Related Phrases

• Freudian slip: An unintentional error in speech or writing that is thought to reveal subconscious feelings.
  • Calling his new girlfriend by his ex's name was a classic Freudian slip.

Noun

1. a minor inadvertent mistake usually observed in speech or writing or in small accidents or memory lapses etc.