gaping hole

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A very large, wide-open hole in a surface, wall or object.

   Grammar: Countable: a gaping hole, two gaping holes.

   Patterns

   • a gaping hole in something

   The storm left a gaping hole in the roof.

   A gaping hole in the fence let the dog escape.

   Rust had eaten a gaping hole in the bottom of the boat.

2. 2nouncountablefigurative

   A serious missing part or weakness, such as in a plan, an explanation or a team.

   Grammar: Used figuratively, usually with in: a gaping hole in the budget.

   Patterns

   • a gaping hole in something
   • leave a gaping hole

   The report left a gaping hole in our understanding of the accident.

   Her departure left a gaping hole in the team.

   There is a gaping hole in his alibi.

Word forms

Common combinations

leave a gaping hole

The retirement left a gaping hole in the department.

a gaping hole in the budget

The accountant found a gaping hole in the budget.

a gaping hole in the wall

A truck had made a gaping hole in the wall.

a gaping hole in security

The audit exposed a gaping hole in security.

fill a gaping hole

The new hire helped fill a gaping hole in the sales team.

Synonyms and how they differ

huge gap

Huge gap works for any missing part, while gaping hole paints a vivid picture of a wide opening.

yawning chasm

A yawning chasm is more dramatic and usually refers to big differences, not missing pieces.

breach

A breach is a break or opening in a defense or barrier, and is more formal than gaping hole.

Opposites

Word family

gape verb

to stare with an open mouth, or to be wide open

gaping adjective

wide open

gap noun

an empty space or break

Commonly confused: gaping hole or gasping?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “gaping hole”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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