recoverable error: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2 / Mid-LowTechnical / Formal
Quick answer
What does “recoverable error” mean?
A computing error that does not cause a program to terminate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A computing error that does not cause a program to terminate; the system can handle it and continue operation, often by retrying or using fallback logic.
In general computing and data management, it refers to a failure that is anticipated and designed for, allowing the system or process to maintain stability. Also used metaphorically in other fields (e.g., business, engineering) to describe a setback that can be overcome without total loss.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Minor spelling preferences (e.g., "program" vs. "programme") may appear in surrounding text, but the term itself is identical.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties. No regional connotative shift.
Frequency
Equally frequent in technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “recoverable error” in a Sentence
The system [verb: handled/caught/logged] the recoverable error.A recoverable error [verb: occurred/was thrown] during data processing.The application is designed to tolerate recoverable errors.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “recoverable error” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The programme is designed to recover from certain errors gracefully.
American English
- The software will attempt to recover from a network timeout automatically.
adverb
British English
- The system failed but was recoverably restarted from the last checkpoint.
American English
- The process halted but could be recoverably resumed.
adjective
British English
- The disk failure was not recoverable; all data was lost.
- We only log non-recoverable faults to the central monitor.
American English
- Make sure your function distinguishes between recoverable and unrecoverable conditions.
- The connection issue was recoverable after several retries.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a financial or operational loss that can be recouped or a project setback that can be corrected without cancelling the project.
Academic
Used in computer science, engineering, and systems theory papers discussing fault tolerance and reliability.
Everyday
Rarely used in everyday conversation. Might be paraphrased as "a problem the computer can fix itself".
Technical
Primary domain. A fundamental concept in software development, database systems, and network communication protocols.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “recoverable error”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “recoverable error”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “recoverable error”
- Using 'recoverable error' to describe a user mistake that can be undone (e.g., 'Ctrl+Z'); that is a 'reversible action'.
- Misspelling as 'recoverrable error'.
- Using it in non-technical contexts where it sounds jarringly specific.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A warning indicates a potential issue but does not stop execution. A recoverable error is an actual failure condition that interrupts normal flow, but the system has a designed method to handle it and continue.
Yes, if the recovery mechanism itself fails or if the error persists beyond a certain threshold (e.g., too many retries), a system may escalate a recoverable error to a fatal one.
Primarily, yes. Its core domain is computing. However, it can be used analogously in other technical fields like engineering or business process management to describe a setback with a known resolution path.
In programming, an 'exception' is a mechanism for handling errors and unusual conditions. A 'recoverable error' is a *type* of condition (often implemented as a specific class of exception) that the program is expected to handle and continue from. Not all exceptions are for recoverable errors (some are for fatal errors).
A computing error that does not cause a program to terminate.
Recoverable error is usually technical / formal in register.
Recoverable error: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈkʌv.ər.ə.bəl ˈer.ər/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪˈkʌv.ɚ.ə.bəl ˈer.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A bump in the road (metaphorical equivalent in non-technical contexts).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'recoverable error' like tripping but catching yourself before falling – the stumble (error) happens, but you recover and keep walking (the program continues).
Conceptual Metaphor
ERROR IS A STUMBLING BLOCK (that can be stepped over). / SYSTEM IS A RESILIENT ORGANISM (that can heal from minor injuries).
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is the term 'recoverable error' MOST appropriately used?