fiasco -
A thing that is a complete failure, especially in a ludicrous or humiliating way
In the 1980s, Coca-Cola released New Coke, which ended up being one of the costliest business fiascos ever.
audio
26 of35 Bad /
Mistake
verb
scuttle -
To be forced to cancel one's plans
Because he couldn't give up his smoking habit, Barry had to scuttle his plans to be a great runner.
audio
27 of35 Bad /
Mistake
adjective
negligent -
To mistakenly fail to do something that should have been done
Bill admitted that he was negligent in not locking the door, and as a result the house was robbed.
audio
28 of35 Bad /
Mistake
adjective
indiscreet -
Saying something that should be private, showing a lack of judgment,
John realized that he had been indiscreet when he revealed on the job interview as a financial advisor that he had lost all his money in the stock market.
audio
29 of35 Bad /
Mistake
noun
flaw -
A mark, fault, or other imperfection that mars a substance or object
Supermodel Cindy Crawford's mole is viewed as a flaw that makes her even more beautiful.
audio
30 of35 Bad /
Mistake
noun
gaffe -
An unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator; a blunder
When the politician made a huge gaffe at the debate, he realized he was going to lose the election.
audio
31 of35 Bad /
Mistake
adjective
Picture
Erroneous -
Misleading or false in belief, statement, or action.
Relying on erroneous data can lead to poor decisions in business.
audio
32 of35 Bad /
Mistake
nounverb verb
stumble -
Trip or momentarily lose one's balance; almost fall
Danny ran too fast and stumbled, spilling his coffee on the floor.
audio
33 of35 Bad /
Mistake
noun
boondoggle -
Work or activity that is wasteful or pointless but gives the appearance of having value
When the funds dried up before the bridge could be finished, it turned into an expensive boondoggle that couldn't transport anybody.
audio
34 of35 Bad /
Mistake
verb
Picture
Humbling -
Causing someone to feel less important or proud, often by emphasizing their limitations.
Receiving so much help from strangers during hard times was a humbling experience.
audio
35 of35 Bad /
Mistake
noun
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.
