error
gb/ˈɛɹɚ/ us/ˈɛɹɚ/
A2
English
~ 1700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
A mistake or inaccuracy
Something that is not correct; a mistake.
Usage pattern:
an error in [something]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse 'error' with 'mistake' — 'error' is slightly more formal and often used in technical or official contexts.
Synonyms
mistake (More common in everyday speech; broader and less formal than 'error'.)
|
blunder (A very careless or serious mistake.)
Antonyms
accuracy (The quality of being correct or precise.)
|
correctness (The state of being free from errors.)
Collocations
make an error
|correct an error
|human error
|serious error
|find an error
Themes
daily life
|work
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The report contained a major error in the data.
- She admitted making an error in her calculations.
- Human error was the main cause of the accident.
- He spotted an error in the spelling of her name.
- The system automatically checks for errors before sending the form.
Learner examples
- I made an error in my homework.
- There is an error in this word.
- He found an error in the book.
- We must fix the error.
- The computer shows an error.
Noun
technical
B1
entity
2
A problem in computing
A problem in a computer program or system that stops it from working right.
Usage pattern:
an error message
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'error' with 'virus', but a virus is malicious software, while an error is a malfunction.
Synonyms
bug (Informal term for a flaw in software.)
|
fault (A defect or flaw in a system or device.)
Antonyms
functionality (The ability of a system to operate correctly.)
Collocations
error code
|syntax error
|runtime error
|system error
Themes
technology
|computing
Examples
- The program crashed due to a runtime error.
- If you see an error message, restart your computer.
- A syntax error prevents the code from compiling.
- The technician fixed the system error quickly.
Learner examples
- The computer shows an error message.
- I cannot open the file because of an error.
- There is an error in the program.
- This game has many errors.
Noun
technical
B2
quantity
3
Inaccuracy in measurement
A difference between a number you find and the real number.
Synonyms
inaccuracy (General lack of correctness; broader than 'error'.)
Antonyms
precision (Exactness and accuracy in measurement.)
Collocations
margin of error
|measurement error
|calculation error
Themes
science
|mathematics
|education
Examples
- The margin of error for this survey is plus or minus three percent.
- Measurement errors can affect the results of the experiment.
- The scientist tried to minimize calculation errors.
Learner examples
- There is an error in my math answer.
- Small errors can change the result.
- We must check for errors in the numbers.
Grammar
Dictionary form
error
IPA
GB/ˈɛɹɚ/
US/ˈɛɹɚ/
Syllables & stress
er - ror (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (er)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: error
- Plural: error, errors
Word family
Forms
errors
noun
Related words
erroneous
adjective C1
erroneously
adverb
Advanced or less common
err
verb
Expressions
human error
1/hjˈumən ˈɛɹɚ/
fixed phrase
Mistake caused by a person
A mistake made by a person, not by a machine or system.
Examples
- The accident was blamed on human error.
- Most security breaches happen because of human error.
in error
1/ˈɪn ˈɛɹɚ/
fixed phrase
formal
Being wrong about something
Being wrong about something; not correct.
Examples
- The company admitted it was in error when it sent the wrong bill.
- He acted in error, thinking the road was clear.
trial and error
1/tɹˈaɪl ˈænd ˈɛɹɚ/
fixed phrase
Learning by trying and failing
A way to solve problems by trying different things and learning from mistakes until you find what works.
Examples
- Learning to cook often involves trial and error.
- We learned to fix the engine through trial and error.
- We found the best design through trial and error.
- Cooking well often comes from trial and error.
trial and error
2/tɹˈaɪl ˈænd ˈɛɹɚ/
fixed phrase
Problem-solving by repeated attempts
Trying many times and learning from mistakes until you find the right way.
Examples
- We learned how to fix the machine through trial and error.
- Cooking without a recipe is often trial and error.