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oops

oops

97 3.9
A short word people say after a small mistake or accident
  • interjection
  • /ups/
  • Informal
translation icon : ups
  • "Oops," he said quietly, his face so close that Gordie could smell tobacco on his breath.
  • oops, sorry
  • oops, I forgot
  • oops, I dropped it

So they couldn't get away saying oops, we didn't know.

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Examples

  • Oh, my bad, that was me. Oops, I'll pick a new spot next time.

    Blog text (2)
  • Oops, sorry, but gotta go.

  • So what I found is, oops, there we go.

  • As soon as I hear the little voice say, "Oops, I meant to do that."

    Blog text (5)
  • "Oops, sorry." "Well, maybe you could help a little," she said, smiling.

    Fiction book (1994)
  • Good training is important for expensive machinery, but consider the power of saying, "Oops!"

    Academic text (2014)
  • "Oops," I said, and I made a U-turn into the kitchen and retrieved the bottle.

    Fiction book (1998)
  • Then she looked at the parents whose faces were full of confusion and fear and said calmly, "Oops!"

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Oops, I gotta run.

  • When I tripped over my shoelaces, I said, "Oops!"

Synonyms

sorry
vsoops
1.0

Feeling regret for something you did

is milder and lighter, often used for small accidents
my bad
vsoops
  • Informal
47 8.4

A short casual phrase to admit you made a mistake

is milder and often does not admit full blame
oop
vsoops
  • Informal
29 9.9

A small word you say after a mistake or accident

is the same but also includes mild sympathy and surprise
whoops
vsoops
  • Informal
16 7.4

A short word people say after a small mistake or accident

is similar but can also express gentle sympathy for others
oopsie
vsoops
  • Informal
2 8.2

A short word said after a small mistake often used playfully

is more neutral in tone and less playful
silly me
vsoops
  • Informal
1 8.3

To show mild embarrassment after you make a small mistake

is more general, covering surprise, apology, or sympathy
oh crap
vsoops
  • Informal
1 9.9

Say it when you suddenly feel upset or annoyed about a mistake

is milder and lacks strong anger or upset feeling
upsy
vsoops
  • UK
9.9

A short word people say when they drop or spill something

is broader, used for any small mistake, accident, or surprise

How Apologetic

sorry
1.0
my bad
  • Informal
47 8.4
oops
  • Informal
97 3.9
oopsie
  • Informal
2 8.2

Surface Forms

oops main

Etymology

Oops is a short, made-up sound that came from the similar exclamation whoops and copies the tiny noise people make after a 'small mistake' or accident. So, saying oops today is a quick way to show 'surprise' or to give a polite 'sorry' when something goes wrong.