17 Other Ways to Say MISTAKE | Mistake Synonyms (Examples)

Making a mistake is something everyone experiences at some point. It can be a small slip or a big error. Sometimes we say error, blunder, or misjudgment instead. Understanding these synonyms can help you explain situations better. In this article, we will explore 17 different ways to say mistake with examples and practical explanations.

17 Different Ways to Say MISTAKE: Another Word for MISTAKE

Error

An error is something that is not correct. It can happen in many ways, such as in writing, calculations, or actions. Everyone makes errors sometimes, and it does not always mean you are careless. Understanding errors helps you fix problems and learn. Using “error” is common in work, school, and daily life. It shows that something went wrong, but it can be corrected with attention.

• I noticed an error in my homework and fixed it.
• There was a small error in the machine’s operation.
• She admitted her error and apologized.

Blunder

A blunder is a bigger mistake that usually has serious effects. It often happens because of carelessness or poor planning. People use “blunder” to describe errors that are noticeable and sometimes embarrassing. Learning from a blunder helps you avoid repeating the same problem. Blunders are often used in work, politics, or personal situations.

• Forgetting the meeting was a huge blunder.
• Sending the wrong email was a professional blunder.
• He made a blunder by leaving the documents at home.

Misjudgment

A misjudgment occurs when you make a wrong decision or opinion. It usually happens because you do not have enough information or understand the situation incorrectly. Misjudgments can lead to problems, but recognizing them helps improve decision-making. Using “misjudgment” makes your speech more formal and clear.

• His plan failed due to a misjudgment of risks.
• The teacher admitted a misjudgment about the student’s abilities.
• Choosing that route was a misjudgment; it took too long.

Slip

A slip is a small mistake that happens accidentally. It can be physical, like dropping something, or mental, like writing the wrong word. Slips are normal and usually easy to fix. People often forgive slips because they are minor and unintentional.

• I had a slip while writing the report.
• There was a slip in my calculation.
• He made a slip when speaking in front of the class.

Oversight

An oversight happens when you fail to notice something important. It is not always intentional, but it can create problems. Recognizing an oversight is important so that it can be corrected quickly. Oversights often happen in work, projects, or planning.

• The missing signature was an oversight.
• Forgetting to lock the door was an oversight.
• They corrected the oversight before submitting the report.

Fault

Fault refers to responsibility for a mistake or problem. Saying something is your fault means you accept that it was your action or decision that caused the issue. Recognizing your fault helps build trust and accountability.

• It was my fault we missed the deadline.
• He admitted his fault in the misunderstanding.
• The team accepted fault for the error in delivery.

Lapse

A lapse is a temporary failure, often in memory, attention, or judgment. Lapses can happen to anyone, and they are usually short-term. They can result in small mistakes but also serve as a reminder to stay careful.

• A lapse in concentration caused the error.
• He had a lapse and forgot his appointment.
• The error was a momentary lapse in judgment.

Misstep

A misstep is a wrong action or decision. It can happen in personal life, work, or social situations. Missteps often teach important lessons and can be corrected over time. Using “misstep” makes your sentence sound thoughtful about the consequences.

• Their negotiation misstep cost them the deal.
• Forgetting to check the schedule was a misstep.
• He realized his misstep after speaking too quickly.

Faux pas

A faux pas is a mistake that causes embarrassment, often socially. It comes from saying or doing something that is not appropriate. Everyone has made a faux pas at some point, but learning from it helps improve social skills.

• Spilling wine was a faux pas at the dinner.
• He committed a faux pas by interrupting the speaker.
• Wearing casual clothes to the formal event was a faux pas.

Goof

A goof is a silly or careless mistake. It is often used in informal situations and is not usually serious. Saying “goof” makes the mistake sound less serious and sometimes funny.

• I made a goof by sending the wrong email.
• She realized the goof and laughed at herself.
• The team made a goof in the project plan.

Gaffe

A gaffe is a mistake, often in public or formal situations. It is similar to a blunder but usually refers to social or professional errors. Recognizing a gaffe quickly helps reduce embarrassment.

• The politician apologized for the gaffe.
• His comment was a public gaffe.
• She made a gaffe during the presentation.

Miscalculation

A miscalculation happens when you calculate or estimate something incorrectly. It can be about numbers, time, or judgment. Miscalculations often lead to errors, but noticing them helps you adjust and improve.

• A miscalculation in budget caused problems.
• They had a miscalculation in the construction plan.
• His miscalculation delayed the project.

Error in judgment

An error in judgment occurs when someone makes a wrong decision or thinking. It is often about decisions that affect outcomes. Using this phrase makes it clear the mistake was due to thinking or choice, not accident.

• Hiring him was an error in judgment.
• It was an error in judgment to trust that information.
• The manager admitted the error in judgment.

Bungle

A bungle is a mistake caused by clumsiness or poor execution. It usually results in things not going as planned. Bungle is often used in informal situations, but it clearly shows that the error was preventable.

• They bungled the project timeline completely.
• The chef bungled the recipe.
• He bungled the instructions for the task.

Flaw

A flaw is a weakness or defect that can cause a mistake. Flaws can be in plans, objects, or processes. Identifying a flaw early helps prevent bigger problems later.

• The design had a flaw that caused failure.
• There was a flaw in the software.
• His argument had a flaw in logic.

Faultiness

Faultiness means having mistakes or being wrong in some way. It refers to the quality of being mistaken. Using this word is formal and emphasizes that the error is part of a larger issue or system.

• The report showed faultiness in the logic.
• Faultiness in the machine caused delays.
• The study revealed faultiness in the methods.

Inaccuracy

An inaccuracy is something that is not correct or precise. It can happen in writing, numbers, or statements. Inaccuracy shows that information or action was wrong, but it can be corrected with attention.

• There was an inaccuracy in the data sheet.
• The report had a small inaccuracy in dates.
• He noticed the inaccuracy and fixed it immediately.

Final Thoughts

Learning different ways to say mistake can improve how you express errors in daily life. Words like blunder, slip, or gaffe add variety. Using the right synonym helps you explain situations better and communicate more clearly.