When you think of the word error, think of describing systems and functionalities, although it's not limited to just that. If there is a set of rules that has to be followed and a system deviates from those rules, you can say that the system has made an error. If you did something that you consider wrong to a friend, you wouldn't say, "I'm sorry, I've made an error", but rather "I'm sorry, I've made a mistake." If you did a wrong calculation, you could say either "I've made an error" or "I've made a mistake". So the words 'error' and 'mistake' overlap a bit. The word miss can mean several things, but it does not overlap with the words 'mistake' and 'wrong'. Here are some examples: The torpedo's tracking system has made an error and missed the target. She hasn't seen him for a month and misses him very much. He missed the opportunity to buy the stock when it was dirt cheap. The pilot made no error in calculation yet still missed the target due to unexpected circumstances.