Top 59 Slang For Failure – Meaning & Usage

Failure, a word that carries a heavy weight and a sense of disappointment. But what if we told you that there are slang terms for failure that can add a touch of humor to this otherwise discouraging concept? Join us as we explore a collection of amusing and relatable slang phrases that capture the essence of failure in a light-hearted way. Get ready to laugh, commiserate, and maybe even learn a new slang word or two for those less successful moments in life.

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1. Flop

A flop refers to something that is a complete failure or disappointment. It is often used to describe a movie, play, or other artistic work that fails to meet expectations or is poorly received.

For example, “The new blockbuster film was a flop at the box office.”
A person might say, “I tried a new recipe last night, but it was a total flop.”
In a discussion about a failed business venture, someone might comment, “It’s unfortunate that the company was such a flop.”

2. Bomb

When something is described as a bomb, it means that it was a complete failure or disaster. This term is often used to refer to a performance, event, or project that fails to achieve its intended goal or is poorly received by the audience or participants.

For instance, “The comedian’s jokes fell flat and the show was a bomb.”
A person might say, “I thought the presentation went well, but it ended up being a total bomb.”
In a discussion about a failed product launch, someone might comment, “The new smartphone was a bomb and didn’t sell well.”

3. Bust

To bust means to fail or be unsuccessful at something. It is often used to describe a business venture, plan, or attempt that does not achieve the desired outcome.

For example, “The company’s expansion plans turned out to be a bust.”
A person might say, “I studied all night for the test, but I still busted it.”
In a discussion about a failed relationship, someone might comment, “Their marriage was a bust and ended in divorce.”

4. Fiasco

A fiasco is a complete failure or disaster. It is often used to describe an event, project, or situation that goes horribly wrong and does not meet expectations.

For instance, “The concert was a fiasco with technical issues and a poorly organized venue.”
A person might say, “The party turned into a fiasco when the food ran out and the entertainment didn’t show up.”
In a discussion about a failed government program, someone might comment, “The initiative was a fiasco and wasted taxpayer money.”

5. Dud

A dud refers to something that fails to work or perform as expected. It is often used to describe a product, device, or plan that turns out to be a disappointment or does not deliver the desired results.

For example, “The fireworks were duds and didn’t explode.”
A person might say, “I bought a new gadget, but it turned out to be a dud.”
In a discussion about a failed investment, someone might comment, “The stock turned out to be a dud and lost all its value.”

6. Washout

This term is often used to describe someone or something that fails to meet expectations or is unsuccessful.

For example, “The aspiring singer was a washout at the talent show.”
In a sports context, a commentator might say, “The team’s performance was a complete washout.”
A person might describe a failed business venture as, “The restaurant was a washout, with no customers and poor reviews.”

7. Turkey

This slang term is often used to describe something that is disappointing or of poor quality.

For instance, “The movie was a real turkey, with terrible acting and a weak plot.”
In a discussion about failed projects, someone might say, “That idea was a total turkey.”
A person might describe a failed attempt at cooking as, “My Thanksgiving turkey was a disaster.”

8. Lemon

This term is commonly used to describe a product or item that is faulty, unreliable, or unsatisfactory.

For example, “The used car turned out to be a lemon, constantly breaking down.”
In a conversation about electronics, someone might say, “I bought a lemon of a phone that keeps freezing.”
A person might describe a failed business venture as, “The investment was a lemon, with no returns and mounting losses.”

9. Clunker

This slang term is often used to describe a vehicle that is old, unreliable, and in a state of disrepair.

For instance, “I bought a clunker of a car that constantly needs repairs.”
In a discussion about outdated technology, someone might say, “That computer is a real clunker.”
A person might describe a failed attempt at fixing something as, “I tried to repair the leaky faucet, but it ended up a clunker.”

10. Misfire

This term is commonly used to describe a situation where something fails to work properly or as intended.

For example, “The comedian’s joke was a misfire, receiving no laughs from the audience.”
In a discussion about failed plans, someone might say, “The marketing campaign was a misfire, resulting in low sales.”
A person might describe a failed attempt at communication as, “My email to the client was a misfire, with no response.”

11. Debacle

This word refers to a complete and often embarrassing failure or disaster. It suggests a situation that has gone horribly wrong and is usually accompanied by chaos or confusion.

For example, a failed product launch might be described as a debacle.
A political scandal that results in the downfall of a leader could be called a debacle.
A disastrous event like a concert where everything goes wrong can also be referred to as a debacle.

12. Trainwreck

This slang term is used to describe a situation or event that is an absolute disaster or failure. It implies that things have gone so wrong that they are beyond repair or recovery.

For instance, a disastrous performance by a musician might be described as a trainwreck.
A project that is completely off track and destined for failure can also be called a trainwreck.
A relationship that is full of constant conflict and dysfunction may be referred to as a trainwreck.

13. Disaster

This word is used to describe a situation or event that is a complete failure or a total mess. It implies that things have gone horribly wrong and often result in significant negative consequences.

For example, a failed business venture might be referred to as a disaster.
A disastrous event like a natural disaster or a major accident can also be described as a disaster.
A failed attempt at something important, like a presentation or a performance, can also be called a disaster.

14. Letdown

This slang term is used to describe a situation or event that doesn’t live up to expectations or fails to meet the desired outcome. It implies a sense of disappointment or dissatisfaction.

For instance, a highly anticipated movie that turns out to be disappointing might be described as a letdown.
A person who consistently fails to deliver on their promises or meet expectations can also be called a letdown.
A sports team that consistently underperforms and fails to achieve success can be referred to as a letdown.

15. Botch

This word is used to describe a situation or action that has been done poorly or incorrectly, resulting in a failure or mistake. It implies a sense of incompetence or lack of skill.

For example, if someone attempts a DIY project and it goes wrong, they might say they botched it.
A person who consistently makes errors or fails to complete tasks successfully can be described as someone who botches things up.
A failed attempt at something important, like a job interview or a presentation, can also be referred to as a botch.

16. Flunk

To fail a test, exam, or course. It can also be used more generally to describe any kind of failure or disappointment.

For example, “I studied all night but still managed to flunk the math test.”
A student might say, “I’m worried I’m going to flunk out of college.”
In a conversation about someone’s career, one might say, “He flunked at every job he tried.”

17. Fizzle

To fail to achieve the desired outcome or to fall short of expectations. It can describe a lack of success or progress in any situation.

For instance, “The party fizzled out after only an hour.”
A person might say, “My attempt at starting a business fizzled and I had to shut it down.”
In a discussion about a failed product launch, one might say, “The company’s new product fizzled and sales were disappointing.”

18. Bungle

To do something clumsily or incompetently, often resulting in failure or a negative outcome. It can also describe a general state of confusion or disarray.

For example, “He bungled the presentation and lost the client.”
A person might say, “I bungled the recipe and the cake turned out terrible.”
In a discussion about a failed project, one might say, “The team bungled the execution and missed the deadline.”

19. Collapse

To fail or give way suddenly and completely, often resulting in a complete breakdown or loss of control. It can also describe a significant decline or failure in health or physical condition.

For instance, “The bridge collapsed under the weight of the heavy truck.”
A person might say, “I collapsed under the pressure and couldn’t finish the race.”
In a discussion about a failed business, one might say, “The company collapsed due to mismanagement and financial difficulties.”

20. Splat

To fall or hit with a sound like that of a soft wet substance striking a surface. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a sudden and dramatic failure or defeat.

For example, “The watermelon splatted on the ground when it fell.”
A person might say, “I tried to catch the ball but it splatted against my hands and fell.”
In a discussion about a failed attempt, one might say, “His plan to win the game splatted when the opposing team scored in the final seconds.”

21. Whiff

To fail at something or to make a mistake. “Whiff” is often used in sports to describe a missed swing or a failed attempt.

For example, in baseball, a commentator might say, “He took a big swing but whiffed the ball.”
A person talking about a failed attempt at cooking might say, “I tried making a soufflé, but I completely whiffed it.”
Another might say, “I had the perfect opportunity to ask her out, but I whiffed and missed my chance.”

22. Bellyflop

To fail spectacularly or to make a big mistake. “Bellyflop” is often used to describe a clumsy or awkward failure.

For instance, a person attempting a dive might bellyflop into the water instead of executing a graceful dive.
Someone might say, “I tried to impress my friends with a skateboard trick, but I ended up doing a bellyflop on the pavement.”
Another might say, “I thought I could handle the spicy food challenge, but it ended in a bellyflop of epic proportions.”

23. Wipeout

To fail or fall down in a spectacular manner. “Wipeout” is often used to describe a sudden and complete failure.

For example, in surfing, a wipeout occurs when a surfer falls off their board and is engulfed by a wave.
Someone might say, “I was skiing down the slope when I hit a patch of ice and wiped out.”
Another might say, “I tried to ride a bike without training wheels, but I wiped out and scraped my knee.”

24. Faceplant

To fail or stumble forward, landing face-first. “Faceplant” is often used to describe a clumsy or embarrassing failure.

For instance, a person might faceplant while attempting a jump on a skateboard or bike.
Someone might say, “I was running and tripped over my own feet, resulting in a faceplant on the sidewalk.”
Another might say, “I thought I could show off my dance moves, but I ended up faceplanting on the dance floor.”

25. Screw-up

To make a serious error or blunder. “Screw-up” is a colloquial term often used to describe a significant failure.

For example, a person might say, “I really screwed up the presentation at work today.”
Someone might admit, “I thought I could fix my car myself, but I ended up causing more damage. What a screw-up.”
Another might say, “I had one job, and I managed to screw it up. I can’t believe I made such a mistake.”

26. Snafu

This term originated in the military and is used to describe a chaotic or messed up situation. It implies that things are not going as planned and there are various issues or mistakes.

For example, “The project was a complete snafu from start to finish.”
In a discussion about a failed mission, someone might say, “It was a snafu from the moment we landed.”
A person might describe a disorganized event as, “It was a total snafu, with no one knowing what was happening.”

27. Flounder

This term refers to someone or something that is struggling or failing to make progress or achieve success. It implies a lack of direction or ability to navigate a situation.

For instance, “The business floundered and eventually went bankrupt.”
In a conversation about a failed relationship, someone might say, “We both floundered and couldn’t make it work.”
A person might describe their own struggles by saying, “I feel like I’m floundering in my career right now.”

28. Tank

This term is used to describe a situation or endeavor that fails miserably or completely. It implies a significant lack of success or performance.

For example, “The team tanked in the championship game and lost by a wide margin.”
In a discussion about a failed business venture, someone might say, “The company tanked within a year of launching.”
A person might describe a disastrous performance by saying, “I totally tanked my presentation and forgot everything I wanted to say.”

29. Crash and burn

This phrase is used to describe a situation or endeavor that fails in a dramatic or spectacular way. It implies a complete and often public failure.

For instance, “The actor’s comeback attempt crashed and burned with terrible reviews.”
In a conversation about a failed project, someone might say, “It started off well, but then it crashed and burned.”
A person might describe a disastrous performance by saying, “I crashed and burned on stage and forgot all my lines.”

30. Go down in flames

This phrase is used to describe a situation or endeavor that fails in a dramatic or catastrophic way. It implies a complete and often public failure, similar to crashing and burning.

For example, “The politician’s campaign went down in flames after a scandal broke.”
In a discussion about a failed business venture, someone might say, “The company went down in flames and had to declare bankruptcy.”
A person might describe a disastrous event by saying, “The party went down in flames with fights breaking out and chaos everywhere.”

31. Bite the dust

This phrase originated from the idea of someone falling to the ground in defeat, similar to how dust settles after an impact.

For example, “The team bit the dust in the championship game.”
A person might say, “I tried to fix my car myself, but I ended up biting the dust.”
Another might comment, “His business venture didn’t go as planned, and it bit the dust.”

32. Fall flat

This phrase implies that an effort or attempt did not succeed or have the intended impact.

For instance, “The comedian’s joke fell flat and didn’t get any laughs.”
A person might say, “I thought my presentation would impress the clients, but it fell flat.”
Another might comment, “Her attempt to reconcile with her friend fell flat.”

33. Hit the skids

This phrase is often used to describe a situation or endeavor that was once successful but has now deteriorated.

For example, “The company hit the skids after the CEO resigned.”
A person might say, “Their relationship hit the skids after a series of arguments.”
Another might comment, “The project hit the skids when key team members left.”

34. Go belly up

This phrase originated from the idea of a dead fish floating on its back, implying that something has failed or died.

For instance, “The restaurant went belly up after only a few months.”
A person might say, “His investment in the stock market went belly up.”
Another might comment, “The business went belly up due to mismanagement.”

35. Bite the bullet

This phrase refers to the act of biting on a bullet during a medical procedure to endure the pain.

For example, “I had to bite the bullet and confront my fear of public speaking.”
A person might say, “She decided to bite the bullet and ask her boss for a raise.”
Another might comment, “Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and do what needs to be done.”

36. Go bust

This phrase is often used to describe a business or financial venture that fails completely or goes bankrupt.

For example, “The company invested all its money in a risky venture and ended up going bust.”
A person discussing a failed business might say, “They took too many risks and eventually went bust.”
Another might use the phrase to describe a personal failure, saying, “My plans for the weekend went bust when it started raining.”

37. Strike out

This term is commonly used in sports to describe a batter who fails to hit the ball and is called out. It can also be used more generally to mean failing to achieve a goal or being rejected.

For instance, “He swung at the ball three times and struck out.”
In a discussion about job interviews, someone might say, “I struck out on three different interviews before finally getting hired.”
Another might use the phrase to describe a failed attempt at dating, saying, “I asked her out, but I struck out.”

38. Go pear-shaped

This phrase is often used to describe a situation that goes wrong or fails unexpectedly.

For example, “Everything was going well until it all went pear-shaped.”
A person discussing a failed project might say, “The whole thing went pear-shaped when we realized we didn’t have enough resources.”
Another might use the phrase to describe a failed relationship, saying, “Our plans for a romantic weekend getaway went pear-shaped when we got into a big fight.”

39. Go up in smoke

This phrase is often used to describe a situation or plan that fails or is destroyed.

For instance, “All our hard work went up in smoke when the project was canceled.”
In a discussion about failed investments, someone might say, “I invested all my money in that company, and it went up in smoke.”
Another might use the phrase to describe a failed attempt at cooking, saying, “I tried to make a fancy dinner, but it all went up in smoke.”

40. Come a cropper

This phrase is often used to describe someone who suffers a sudden failure or accident.

For example, “He thought he could make it across the street in time, but he came a cropper.”
A person discussing a failed business might say, “They took too many risks and came a cropper.”
Another might use the phrase to describe a failed attempt at a physical feat, saying, “I tried to do a backflip, but I came a cropper.”

41. Fall through

This phrase is used when something does not happen as expected or falls apart. It can refer to plans, agreements, or expectations.

For example, “Our vacation plans fell through when the airline canceled our flight.”
A person might say, “I had high hopes for the project, but it fell through due to lack of funding.”
Another might say, “I thought I had a job offer, but it fell through at the last minute.”

42. Meet with disaster

This phrase is used to describe a situation where everything goes wrong and ends in disaster. It implies a significant level of failure or negative outcome.

For instance, “The company’s new product launch met with disaster when it received terrible reviews.”
A person might say, “I thought the party would be a success, but it met with disaster when the power went out.”
Another might say, “The attempt to climb Mount Everest met with disaster when a storm hit.”

43. Miss the boat

This phrase is used when someone fails to seize an opportunity or act in a timely manner, resulting in missing out on something.

For example, “I missed the boat on investing in that company, and now it’s worth millions.”
A person might say, “I wanted to join the club, but I missed the boat because I didn’t submit my application in time.”
Another might say, “She missed the boat on buying tickets to the concert, and now they’re sold out.”

44. Drop the ball

This phrase is used when someone fails to fulfill their responsibilities or make a mistake that has negative consequences.

For instance, “The quarterback dropped the ball, costing his team the game.”
A person might say, “I dropped the ball on that project by not meeting the deadline.”
Another might say, “The company dropped the ball when they failed to address customer complaints.”

45. Hit a brick wall

This phrase is used when someone faces a significant obstacle or challenge that stops their progress or success.

For example, “I’ve been trying to find a solution, but I keep hitting a brick wall.”
A person might say, “The team hit a brick wall when they realized their budget was insufficient.”
Another might say, “She hit a brick wall in her career when she couldn’t secure a promotion.”

46. Go down the drain

This phrase is used to describe a situation or effort that has ended in complete failure or disappointment. It suggests that something valuable or important has been wasted or lost.

For example, “After investing all his savings into a failed business, his dreams went down the drain.”
A person might say, “I spent hours studying for the exam, but all my hard work went down the drain when I failed.”
Someone might comment, “The team’s chances of winning went down the drain when their star player got injured.”

47. Backfire

When a plan or action has the opposite result of what was intended, it is said to backfire. It implies that the initial intention was not achieved and often leads to negative consequences.

For instance, “The company’s attempt to boost sales with a controversial ad campaign backfired and led to a boycott.”
A person might say, “I thought surprising my friend with a prank would be funny, but it backfired and she got upset.”
In a political context, someone might comment, “The candidate’s attempt to smear their opponent’s reputation backfired and actually gained them sympathy from voters.”

48. Miss the mark

When someone or something fails to meet expectations or achieve the intended goal, it is said to miss the mark. It suggests that the effort or result fell short of what was expected or desired.

For example, “The company’s new product missed the mark and failed to attract customers.”
A person might say, “I practiced for hours, but my performance still missed the mark.”
In a creative context, someone might comment, “The movie had potential, but the execution missed the mark and disappointed audiences.”

49. Founder

To founder means to fail or collapse, often in a dramatic or sudden manner. It implies that something or someone has not been successful and is experiencing a significant setback or downfall.

For instance, “The business started strong but soon foundered due to mismanagement.”
A person might say, “His career as a musician foundered after his album received negative reviews.”
In a personal context, someone might comment, “My attempts to learn a new language have foundered, and I keep forgetting what I’ve learned.”

50. Crash

When something fails abruptly or disastrously, it is said to crash. This term is often used to describe a sudden and complete failure, particularly in the context of technology or systems.

For example, “The computer crashed and I lost all my unsaved work.”
A person might say, “The stock market crashed, causing widespread panic and financial losses.”
In a sports context, someone might comment, “The team’s hopes of winning the championship crashed when their star player got injured.”

51. Bomb out

This phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone or something fails miserably or falls short of expectations.

For example, “The comedian bombed out during his stand-up performance.”
A person might say, “I really bombed out on that exam.”
In a sports context, one might say, “The team bombed out in the playoffs.”

52. Stumble

This term is used to describe a small failure or mistake, often resulting in a momentary setback or loss of progress.

For instance, “I stumbled during my presentation and forgot my lines.”
Someone might say, “I stumbled on the last question of the quiz.”
In a conversation about career setbacks, one might say, “I stumbled in my first job and had to start over.”

53. Epic fail

This expression is used to describe a failure that is particularly grand or spectacular, often resulting in embarrassment or ridicule.

For example, “His attempt to jump over the car ended in an epic fail.”
A person might say, “I had an epic fail trying to bake a cake.”
In a discussion about viral videos, one might mention, “That skateboard trick was an epic fail.”

54. Belly flop

This term is often used to describe a failure or mistake that is particularly noticeable or obvious, as if someone has metaphorically belly-flopped into a pool.

For instance, “The new product launch was a belly flop.”
Someone might say, “I made a real belly flop with that decision.”
In a conversation about performance reviews, one might mention, “His presentation was a belly flop.”

55. Come up short

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone falls short of achieving a desired outcome or goal.

For example, “Despite their efforts, the team came up short in the championship game.”
A person might say, “I came up short on my sales targets this quarter.”
In a discussion about personal aspirations, one might mention, “I came up short in my attempt to climb Mount Everest.”

56. Fizzle out

When something fizzles out, it means that it gradually loses momentum or fails to achieve the expected result. It is often used to describe a situation or event that starts with excitement but ends in disappointment or failure.

For example, “The party started off great, but it quickly fizzled out when the music stopped.”
In a discussion about a failed business venture, someone might say, “The company had a lot of potential, but it ultimately fizzled out.”
A person describing a failed relationship might say, “Our romance fizzled out after just a few months.”

57. Sink like a stone

To sink like a stone means to fail or decline rapidly, often with little hope of recovery. It is a metaphorical expression that compares the speed and inevitability of failure to the sinking of a heavy stone in water.

For instance, “The company’s stock price sank like a stone after the CEO’s scandalous revelation.”
In a conversation about a failed project, someone might say, “We had high hopes, but it sank like a stone.”
A person describing a failed attempt at a new hobby might say, “I tried painting, but my skills sank like a stone.”

58. Burnout

Burnout refers to a state of physical or emotional exhaustion that occurs as a result of prolonged stress or overwork. It is often used to describe a person who has become overwhelmed by their responsibilities and no longer has the energy or motivation to continue.

For example, “She experienced burnout after working 80-hour weeks for several months.”
In a discussion about job-related stress, someone might say, “Burnout is a common problem in high-pressure industries.”
A person describing their own experience with burnout might say, “I had to take a leave of absence to recover from burnout.”

59. Sink

To sink in the context of failure means to fail or be unsuccessful in achieving a desired outcome. It is a simple and straightforward term that conveys the idea of something not going as planned.

For instance, “Despite their best efforts, the team’s project sank and did not meet the deadline.”
In a conversation about a failed business venture, someone might say, “The company sank due to poor financial management.”
A person describing a failed attempt at a new recipe might say, “My soufflé sank in the oven.”