Lapses

The word "lapses" refers to temporary failures or declines in performance, memory, or function; a brief period of time; an instance of something being forgotten; or a break in a process. It can also describe the ending of a right or privilege due to inaction or the passage of time. These failures can range from minor oversights to more significant failures of judgment or execution. Understanding the context is crucial to interpreting the severity of a lapse. The word often suggests a deviation from a standard or expected behavior, often implying an unintentional or accidental nature, unlike words such as failure, or mistake, which could be on purpose.

Lapses meaning with examples

• Despite meticulous preparation, the musician experienced a momentary **lapse** in concentration during the performance, stumbling over a challenging passage. The audience, though noticing the slip-up, showed great support and the musician was able to recover quickly. This momentary lapse served as a humbling reminder of the intense pressure of performing live. The musician was back on track by the end of the performance.
• The company suffered a significant **lapse** in security protocol when a junior employee accidentally clicked on a phishing email, resulting in a data breach. Consequently, this caused a loss of customer trust and potential financial repercussions. The IT team was immediately deployed to remedy the situation and prevent further damage. The management team also decided to have further employee training
• After years of dedicated commitment, the writer began experiencing Lapses in motivation, struggling to find inspiration for their latest novel. This manifested as inconsistent writing schedules and a decline in the quality of their prose. The writer attributed this to burnout and took a sabbatical. Then after the sabbatical the writer felt ready to start again.
• The athlete's repeated Lapses in dietary discipline during the off-season affected their performance in the competition. The athlete's performance was significantly impacted. Because they felt they had to perform on a lower plane, they weren't able to maintain a strict nutrition routine which had a negative impact in their performance which was easily observed by other competitors. The coach encouraged them to return to a stricter routine.