scupper
noun
a drain at the edge of a deck exposed to the weather, for allowing accumulated water to drain away into the sea or into the bilges.
have scuppered
-
present perfectof scupper.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Costs have scuppered that dream to date, but perhaps the opportunity of a fairytale ending for an Irish icon will be bring one last dream to fruition.
From BBC ● Feb. 25, 2026
Consecutive, emphatic defeats by Scotland and Ireland, which followed a 12-game winning streak, have scuppered England's hopes of a first Six Nations title in six years.
From Barron's ● Feb. 24, 2026
But South African regulators and politicians have scuppered big cross-border deals in the past to the surprise of outsiders.
From Reuters ● Sep. 6, 2010
The American finds have scuppered the plans of Russia and other countries to start exporting gas to the energy-hungry US.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 25, 2010
Turbo Paul could have scuppered the undercover operations by replying to Harkin, he stressed, but he hadn’t.
From New York Times ● Jun. 4, 2010
