Synonyms for Error

Updated 2026-10-12 · Synonyms List editorial team

Quick answer: When searching for synonyms for error, you will find a wide range of words to describe mistakes, faults, or incorrect actions. These alternatives help you communicate more precisely depending on the context. From technical glitches to human blunders, the right word can clarify your meaning immediately.

Closest Synonyms for Error

mistake: A general term for an unintended wrong action, as in making a calculation mistake during the test.
fault: A weakness or responsibility for a failure, such as the fault of poor planning causing the delay.
wrong: Not correct or right, for example choosing the wrong path in the dark forest.
inaccuracy: A lack of exactness in data, like an inaccuracy in the measurement results.
oversight: Something noticed too late, such as leaving an oversight in the final report review.
slip: A minor mistake often made by accident, like a typographical slip in the document.
blunder: A serious foolish mistake, such as a blunder in the negotiations that cost the deal.
lapse: A temporary loss of mental alertness, resulting in a lapse in concentration during the meeting.
misstep: An error in judgment or action, like a misstep in the dance routine.
gaffe: An embarrassing social mistake, such as a verbal gaffe at the dinner party.
miscalculation: An error in estimating or planning, like a miscalculation of the budget requirements.
faulty: Adjective form describing something with errors, such as a faulty electrical circuit.

Formal Synonyms for Error

flub: To botch a performance or task, like missing a catch in a game.
glitch: A minor technical malfunction, like a screen freezing momentarily.

Informal Synonyms for Error

mishap: an unfortunate accident or error, like forgetting to lock the front door and having a mishap.
skew: a deviation from the truth, as in the data got skew due to a calculation error.
wobble: a small error in stability, like a table with a wobble because one leg was too short.
hiccup: a temporary error in progress, like a software hiccup when the app freezes briefly.
snafu: a confused error or mix-up, as in we had a snafu when the meeting started without the projector.
botch: a poorly done task resulting in error, like trying to fix a leak and just making a bigger botch.
blip: a small, temporary error on a chart, such as a blip on the radar when the plane changed course slightly.
jinx: an error that brings bad luck, as in stepping on a crack is thought to be a jinx for the day.