flop
9 synonyms and 2 antonyms for flop, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To fall or drop down heavily and loosely.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To fall or drop down heavily and loosely.
“He flopped onto the sofa after a long day.”
2. verb
To fail completely, especially of a film, product, or performance.
“The big-budget movie flopped at the box office.”
Opposites
How to use flop
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
flop down
a box-office flop
flop onto the bed
Etymology
Recorded since the early 1600s, likely a heavier-sounding variant of flap.
Full origin of flop →Frequently asked questions
What does “flop” mean?
The word “flop” means to fall or drop down heavily and loosely. In plain terms, to collapse loosely, or to fail badly.
How do you pronounce “flop”?
“Flop” is pronounced flop (/flɑp/ in IPA).
How do you use “flop” in a sentence?
Here is “flop” used in a sentence: “He flopped onto the sofa after a long day.”
What part of speech is “flop”?
Depending on how it is used, “flop” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “flop” come from?
The word “flop” dates back to around 1600. Recorded since the early 1600s, likely a heavier-sounding variant of flap.
Is “flop” a common word?
“Flop” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “flop” have?
“Flop” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to fall or drop down heavily and loosely.
What is the difference between a flop and a failure?
A flop specifically describes a complete failure, especially of something meant to be well received, like a film, product, or performance, while "failure" is a broader term for not succeeding at anything. Calling something a flop often carries a slightly dismissive or disappointed tone.
What does it mean to "flop" onto a chair or bed?
This physical sense means to fall or drop down heavily and loosely, without control or grace, such as flopping onto the sofa after a long day. It emphasizes tiredness or a lack of effort in how someone sits or lies down.
Is "flop" formal or informal English?
"Flop" is informal in both senses, describing a heavy, loose fall and describing a complete failure, and wouldn't typically appear in formal or technical writing. Formal alternatives include "collapse" or "commercial failure," depending on context.
