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A word for "a chance to makeup for past mistakes"

English Language & Usage Asked on December 13, 2020

I’d like to use a single word that means "a chance to makeup for past mistakes." It would likely be a synonym of any of the words/phrases in the following list:

second chance

another opportunity

do-over

retry

makeup

retake

repeat

rerun

fresh start

I recognize that this is a long list, but none of the single words here work for me – they’re all a little too on the nose. I’m inspired by the Biblical concept of the Jubilee year, a year in which all debts were forgiven. For further context, the word should be applicable in reference to technical mistakes (not necessarily moral mistakes) as demonstrated by the sentence below.

A sample use:

"Due to her poor job performance, her first annual evaluation at her new post was very negative. This made her eager for something of a(n) __________ so she could demonstrate her competence to her supervisor."

3 Answers

It would be a chance for atonement

= something that you do to show that you are sorry for something bad that you did:

Cambridge dictionary

Seeking a parallel, I considered Purgatory as a place that offers opportunity to atone. But it is too strong and too religious a concept for you us. confessional offers the opportunity to admit to mistakes but is also religious and a bit weak on doing much about the errors. That only leaves me with expiation.

Definition of expiate

transitive verb: to make amends for

“permission to expiate their offences by their assiduous labours”

Merriam Webster

Answered by Anton on December 13, 2020

The word that should go into the blank (your sample sentence) could well be any coming opportunities.

As far as the actual question is concerned, words such as amends, reparations, and @Anton's suggestion atonement, among many others work well.

EDIT— Since the OP has edited the question and provided an edited version of the sample sentence, I suggest that he go with rectification/betterment which seems to fit the bill quite nicely.

AHD defines the verb (rectify) as— To set right; Correct

Similarly, the same dictionary defines betterment as— An improvement over what has been the case.

Thus,

Due to her poor job performance, her first annual evaluation at her new post was very negative. This made her eager for something of a rectification/ betterment so she could demonstrate her competence to her supervisor."

Answered by user405662 on December 13, 2020

From the sporting and entertainment worlds - comeback

comeback (kŭm′băk′) n.

  1. a. A return to formerly enjoyed status or prosperity: The film star made an unexpected comeback. b. A return to popularity: Wide ties are making a comeback this year.
  2. The act of making up a deficit, as in a contest or game. https://www.thefreedictionary.com/comeback

If you want a word that only golfers will understand then I suggest Mulligan!

Definition of mulligan : a free shot sometimes given a golfer in informal play when the previous shot was poorly played https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mulligan

If you want something that is over the top then how about rebirth or even resurrection.

. resurgence

. return

. revival

. recovery

The list is endless!

Answered by chasly - supports Monica on December 13, 2020

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