Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

screwup

American  
[skroo-uhp] / ˈskruˌʌp /
Or screw-up

noun

Slang.
  1. a mistake or blunder.

    The package was delayed through an addressing screwup.

  2. a habitual blunderer.


Etymology

Origin of screwup

1955–60; noun use of verb phrase screw up


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Every week it’s a more astonishing screwup, frequently without consequences for any lawyer who admits to error.

From Slate ● Mar. 27, 2026

Still, some of those criticisms came to bear in July, when it was revealed that county officials committed a near-unthinkable administrative screwup.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 16, 2025

You know, she's a screwup, she's not great.

From Salon ● Apr. 30, 2023

Silicon Valley Bank’s demise on one level is a straightforward tale of a financial screwup.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 10, 2023

As much of a screwup as I was becoming, I still tried hard to look after her.

From "The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates" by Wes Moore

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember new words for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com