Bad / Mistake

verb

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squander - To waste something, such as money or time, in a reckless and foolish manner

Many lottery winners end up squandering their fortune and returning to their life of poverty.

verb

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flub - To fail or make a mistake

The outfielder flubbed the catch when the baseball flew past him.

noun

See verb

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slip - A small mistake or accident, often due to carelessness.

After he commented about her weight, he apologized for the slip of the tongue that he wished he hadn't said,

verb

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backfire - To have the opposite effect of what was intended, usually producing a negative result.

At the company meeting, his attempt to lie backfired, and when the truth came out, he was very embarrassed.

verb

See noun

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stumble - Trip or momentarily lose one's balance; almost fall

Danny ran too fast and stumbled, spilling his coffee on the floor.

noun

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aberration - A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected.

The principal let Johnny go without any punishment, because his outburst had been an aberration from his usual good behavior.

noun

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repercussions - The effects or results of an action, event, or decision, especially those that are unintended or negative.

His decision to suddently quit the company without notice had serious repercussions, hurting his reputation and making it hard to find another job.

verb

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backfire - When a plan fails, to have the opposite result of what was intended.

The politician tried to hide his assets, in order to appear like a common man. But his plan backfired when they were revealed, and people saw that he was a liar.

noun

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fluke - Unlikely chance occurrence, especially a surprising piece of luck

Since he was the worst player on his baseball team, Taylor knew the home run he had just hit was a fluke.

verb

See noun

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fumble - Use the hands clumsily while doing or handling something

The football player fumbled the ball, so the opposing players tried to grab it.

verb

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blurt - To say (something) suddenly and without careful consideration

Xavier felt embarrassed when he blurted out the answer before hearing the whole question.

verb

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botch - To carry out a task badly or carelessly

Eric botched the assignment that he was asked to do, so his supervisor had to reprimand him.