Definition

No longer active or practicing in a particular role, belief, or membership.

Example

After many years away, she returned to the church as a lapsed member.

Conversation

Are you still going to that yoga class you used to love?

Actually, I’ve become a bit of a lapsed member lately.

I get that; sometimes life just gets in the way.

Yeah, I should really make an effort to go back.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lapsed → It originates from the Latin 'lapsus' (meaning a slip or fall), which is derived from the verb 'labi' (meaning to slip or fall). The word 'lapsed' refers to something that has slipped away or fallen away from a previous state or condition.

Memory Tip

Think of something that has 'slipped away' — 'lapsus' means a slip or fall, which helps you remember that 'lapsed' refers to something that has fallen away from its original state.

Visually Confused Words