Definition of Crossed Wires

A communication error between two or more parties. This can happen when there is a misunderstanding about a task, project, or goal. Crossed wires can also happen when people are not on the same page about a decision or course of action.

Example: Three different people on the company's sales team reached out to the same customer about renewing their contract. The customer was confused by this. It turned out being a case of crossed wires within the company's sales team on who should contact the customer about the renewal.


Usage of "Crossed Wires" by Country

Business English is used in many different countries around the world. Some of the words and phrases listed on this site will be understood everywhere Business English is used, but some words and phrases are only used in specific countries. The map below shows where "Crossed Wires" is most commonly used.

Word Usage Map

Learn More About "Crossed Wires"

"Crossed Wires" is in the top 30% most popular words looked up on this site.

"Crossed Wires" is used in the workplace during meetings or emails.

The definition for "Crossed Wires" was last updated in 2023.

Trending Words

Check out the list below for the trending words that people are searching for on this site.

Dead Weight
Moving You To BCC To Spare Your Inbox
Will Take It From Here
Dress Code
F2F

Newest Words

Check out the list below for the latest words and phrases added to this site.

Drinking From The Firehose
Advisory Board
Terminal Level
Dead Weight
Joint Customer

Business English Quiz

Question: What does "Calendar Invite" mean?

   (A) When a person wants to meet with you next week.
   (B) An email sent to schedule a meeting with the option to either accept or decline the meeting at the scheduled time.
   (C) When a person has available time on their calendar to meet with you.
   (D) When a person does not have any time to meet with you.

Answer: Find out the right answer here.

About This Site

Jargonism is a Business English dictionary. You can learn about words and phrases that are commonly used in the workplace like Circle Back, Thought Leader, and Offsite. We also have a Word of the Day, which is a daily Business English vocabulary word that is commonly used in the workplace.

On this site, we also have templates on how to communicate effectively at work, such as requesting PTO, declining a promotion, and taking a sick day.

Word of the Day

Date: 10/15/2024

Word: Close It Out

Definition: To mark something as completed.

Example: This task has been fixed, so let's close it out within the task tracker.

Cite This Page

"Crossed Wires." Jargonism.com Dictionary, https://jargonism.com/words/1573. Accessed 10/15/2024.