ironic error
An "ironic error" highlights the paradox where intense efforts to avoid a mistake result in making that very mistake.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(common)A mistake that happens because someone is trying hard to avoid it.
Example
- She made an ironic error by spilling the coffee while trying to be extra careful not to.
C1Psychology
(academic, technical)A blunder that occurs due to the psychological pressure of trying to prevent it.
Example
- Under stress, ironic errors can become more frequent, like a golfer missing an easy putt while focusing on not missing it.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "ironic error":