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🙁 An unsuccessful person ❌ A failure 💣 A failed device 💣 Not exploding
dud

dud

14 4.7
Something that fails to work or please people
  • noun
  • /dʌd/
  • Informal
translation icon : fracaso
  • Everyone was excited for the movie premiere, but it ended up being a total dud that nobody enjoyed.
  • a big dud
  • a real dud
  • hits and duds

So this one was a dud I have to say.

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Examples

  • The affair was a dud, but the course was terrific.

    Day of the Animals (1977)

  • After months of planning, the event turned out to be a complete dud with hardly any attendees.

  • So this one was a dud I have to say.

    Tati

  • After all, if you buy a dud, what have you lost?

    Blog text (22)

  • Looks like my idea was a dud.

    Five Star Final (1931)

  • I'm going to officially declare this product from Wish a dud, a full dud.

  • I think this story is more of a dud than a bombshell.

    Blog text (19)

  • All the others were duds, and I finally decided I wasn't going to watch anymore this week.

    Blog text (32)

  • As a result, all the feeders were sturdy and squirrel-proof, not a dud in the bunch.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • DC has had quite a few winners and a few duds as well, but stagnating isn't the answer either.

    Blog text (17)

Synonyms

failure
vsdud
557 1.3

Not reaching what was planned or expected

is used for a specific failed event or ineffective thing, not the abstract state
bomb
vsdud
  • Informal
139 5.6

A complete failure, for example a show or plan that no one likes

is broader, applying to any failing event or ineffective thing
bust
vsdud
  • Informal
102 4.5

A complete failure of an event or plan

is the more general label for any ineffective thing or failed event
debacle
vsdud
75 8.5

A sudden complete failure that causes public embarrassment or big loss

is a general failed or ineffective thing without sudden disaster connotation
flop
vsdud
44 4.3

A project or event that does not succeed

is used for any failing thing or event rather than specific projects
turkey
vsdud
  • Archaic
12 8.6

An event like a movie or play that fails completely

tends to stress definite complete failure or clear ineffectiveness
dead duck
vsdud
  • Informal
4 8.6

A person or thing sure to fail

describes an already failed thing or ineffective result rather than predicted failure
flopper
vsdud
  • Offensive
1 8.2

Something that fails completely

is the neutral term used in formal or general speech
total bomb
vsdud
  • Informal
7.7

A thing such as a film or product that fails badly with people

is used for any failing thing or event beyond those specific results
nonsuccess
vsdud
5.6

An event or action that does not reach its aim

implies a complete failure or clear ineffectiveness rather than mere lack of success

Antonyms

success
∞ 1.0

Getting what you want after working hard

to hit
870 2.5

To reach a target or goal

How Successful

success
∞ 1.0
dud
  • Informal
14 4.7
failure
557 1.3

Surface Forms

dud singular
duds plural

Etymology

Dud comes from an older word duds that meant 'rags' and then 'a worthless thing'. That's why we call a failed show or product a dud—because it did not work or meet hopes.