Bad / Mistake

noun

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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.

noun

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liability - Something that is likely to cause a problem.

Joe was going to choose Fred as his running mate, but then he realized that Fred's drinking problem would just make him a liability, so he chose someone else.

verb

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bobble - To lose one's grip (on a ball)

The wide receiver bobbled the ball and was unable to complete the play.

noun

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mixup - An error resulting from things being wrongly arranged or identified.

There was a mix-up at the airport, and my luggage went to the wrong city.

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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blooper - An embarrassing error

Movies will frequently have blooper reels where the actors laugh and ruin a scene.

verb

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flunk - To fail to reach the required standard in an examination, test, or course of study

Ron hid his school test from his mother because he didn't want her to know he had flunked it.

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.

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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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

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.

noun

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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.