unforced error

Meanings

noununforced error (plural unforced errors)

hobbiesA basic error committed in a tactical game, where errors are usually forced by the game strategy.First known use 20th c.
This meant Nadal needed to hold serve to force his opponent to earn the win. An unforced error took Rosol to 30-15 and two points away from glory, but a net cord in Nadal's favour and the men were level in the game.
2012 June 28, Jamie Jackson, “Wimbledon 2012: Lukas Rosol shocked by miracle win over Rafael Nadal”, in The Guardian, archived from the original on 31 May 2022
Synonyms: blunder, clanger

nounA basic error committed in a tactical game, where errors are usually forced by the game strategy.

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Cite this entry

APA

unforced error. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/unforced%20error

MLA

“unforced error.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/unforced%20error. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “unforced error,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/unforced%20error.