404

American  

[fawr-oh-fawr] / ˈfɔr oʊˈfɔr /

noun

1. Also called 404 error. Computers. an error message sent by a web server to a browser when the user has typed an incorrect URL, tried to access a web page that is no longer available, or clicked on a broken link on a web page.

   They must have taken down their website;

   I keep getting that annoying “404 - File Not Found” message.

2. Slang. a person who is stupid or uninformed.

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404 British  

/ ˌfɔːəʊˈfɔː /

noun

1. slang a stupid or ineffectual person

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Etymology

Origin of 404

First recorded in 1995–2000

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

404

I looked over at 404 reporter Rebecca Castillo in envy, knowing she was about to witness the Brooklyn outfit for the first time.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 24, 2026

There are still transparency laws that apply to Flock databases, which is how 404 Media and other media outlets have discovered abuses of the technology.

From Salon ● Aug. 14, 2026

These AI influencers "are mostly young white women," said Emanuel Maiberg of the 404 Media tech news outlet who has covered the trend.

From Barron's ● Mar. 27, 2026

The Dow Jones Industrial Average slid more than 1,200 points this morning before reversing course; it closed down 0.8%, or around 404 points.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 3, 2026

Olanna watched the Peugeot 404 disappear down the road and stood there for a while, feeling as if she had swallowed a sparkling sliver of light.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

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