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Language Foundation

mismatch

A mismatch is a state in which corresponding data fields contain different values instead of the same value.

In plain English

It means a pair of related pieces of information do not agree. Their matching positions hold different values when they are expected to be identical.

In context

Here, mismatch reports that related entries contain different values where the corresponding values are supposed to be the same.

Situation
Reading processing, queue, validation, success, warning, and error messages
What it communicates
reports that related entries do not match each other

Meaning limits

By itself, the term does not say which value is correct or why the difference exists.

Examples

“The form showed 4817, but the file showed 4187, so there was a mismatch in the account number.”

Core meaning

“When the clerk compared the two records, she found a mismatch in the surname entries.”

In context

  • match Opposite

    A match is the state where the corresponding values are the same.

  • difference Broader Term

    A mismatch is a specific kind of difference between corresponding values.