Lapse Definition & Meaning

lapse
noun
  1. a mistake resulting from inattention
  2. a break or intermission in the occurrence of something; "a lapse of three weeks between letters"
  3. a failure to maintain a higher state
verb
  1. pass into a specified state or condition; "He sank into nirvana"
  2. end, at least for a long time; "The correspondence lapsed"
  3. drop to a lower level, as in one's morals or standards
  4. go back to bad behavior; "Those who recidivate are often minor criminals"
  5. let slip; "He lapsed his membership"
  6. pass by; "three years elapsed"

Synonyms for lapse

backslide verb

drop to a lower level, as in one's morals or standards

♫ Rhymes
backsliding noun

a failure to maintain a higher state

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
elapse verb

pass by; "three years elapsed"

♫ Rhymes
lapsing noun

a failure to maintain a higher state

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
oversight noun

an unintentional omission resulting from failure to notice something management by overseeing the performance or

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
pass adj

of advancing the ball by throwing it; "a team with a good passing attack

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
recidivate verb

go back to bad behavior; "Those who recidivate are often minor criminals"

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
recidivism noun

habitual relapse into crime

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
regress noun

the reasoning involved when you assume the conclusion is true and reason backward to the evidence returning to a former

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms
relapse noun

a failure to maintain a higher state deteriorate in health; "he relapsed" go back to bad behavior

♫ Rhymes ↔ Synonyms

"Lapse" in song lyrics

See how lapse is used in real songs:

  • "Ninphomaniac done dipped in zodiac, they use to day lapse"
    Big Ed — No N'gga
  • "Time lapse"
    DJ Muggs f/ Mobb Deep — It Could Happen To You
  • "Spy cracks, there's a motherfuckin' time lapse"
    Jus Allah — Supreme

Words that rhyme with lapse

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Usage tips for "lapse"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "lapse" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for lapse to find words that pair well.

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♫ Rhymes with lapse ↔ Synonyms for lapse 🔬 Words containing lapse

Frequently asked questions

What does lapse mean?
a mistake resulting from inattention a break or intermission in the occurrence of something; "a lapse of three weeks between letters" a failure to maintain a higher state pass into a specified state or condition; "He sank into nirvana" end, at least for a long time; "The correspondence lapsed" drop to a lower level, as in one's morals or standards go back to bad behavior; "Those who recidivate are often minor criminals" let slip; "He lapsed his membership" pass by; "three years elapsed"
What part of speech is lapse?
Lapse is a noun and a verb.
How many definitions does lapse have?
Lapse has 9 definitions across 2 parts of speech (noun, verb).

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