noun
blunder
BLUHN-duh
Blunder (noun) means a careless or embarrassing mistake. Example: “Forgetting the client's name was an unforgivable blunder.”
noun
1
A careless or embarrassing mistake.
"Forgetting the client's name was an unforgivable blunder."
"The goalkeeper's blunder cost the team the match."
verb
1
To make a careless, serious mistake.
"The company blundered by launching the product without testing it first."
How to use blunder
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA stupid, avoidable mistake, or the act of making one.
Common pairings
a costly blunder
blunder into
major blunder
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Word forms
- Plural
- blunders
- Third person singular
- blunders
- Past tense
- blundered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Forgetting the client's name was an unforgivable _____.
Etymology
From Middle English blunderen, ultimately related to Old Norse blunda ("to doze"), suggesting a mistake made through carelessness or inattention.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for blunder
See all rhymes for blunder →Frequently asked questions
What does “blunder” mean?
The word “blunder” means a careless or embarrassing mistake. In plain terms, a stupid, avoidable mistake, or the act of making one.
How do you pronounce “blunder”?
“Blunder” is pronounced BLUHN-duh (/ˈblʌn.dɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “blunder” in a sentence?
Here is “blunder” used in a sentence: “Forgetting the client's name was an unforgivable blunder.”
What is another word for “blunder”?
Words with a similar meaning to “blunder” include goof and howler.
What part of speech is “blunder”?
Depending on how it is used, “blunder” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “blunder” come from?
The word “blunder” comes from Middle English. From Middle English blunderen, ultimately related to Old Norse blunda ("to doze"), suggesting a mistake made through carelessness or inattention.
How many meanings does “blunder” have?
“Blunder” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a careless or embarrassing mistake.
