verb
fizzle
FIH-zuhl
Fizzle (verb) means to gradually fail or fade away after a promising start. Example: “The protest movement fizzled out within a few weeks.”
verb
1
To gradually fail or fade away after a promising start.
"The protest movement fizzled out within a few weeks."
"His comeback attempt fizzled after just two games."
2
To make a soft hissing or sputtering sound.
"The wet firework fizzled instead of exploding."
noun
1
A failure or disappointing outcome, especially after high expectations.
"The much-hyped launch turned out to be a total fizzle."
How to use fizzle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo lose momentum and fail, usually after starting with promise — "fizzle out."
Common pairings
fizzle out
a total fizzle
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Word forms
- Plural
- fizzles
- Third person singular
- fizzles
- Past tense
- fizzled
Fill the gap
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The protest movement _____ out within a few weeks.
Etymology
From an older English word meaning "to break wind quietly" — the current sense of "petering out" developed later from the idea of a weak, fading hiss.
Related words
Rhymes for fizzle
See all rhymes for fizzle →Frequently asked questions
What does “fizzle” mean?
The word “fizzle” means to gradually fail or fade away after a promising start. In plain terms, to lose momentum and fail, usually after starting with promise — "fizzle out.".
How do you pronounce “fizzle”?
“Fizzle” is pronounced FIH-zuhl (/ˈfɪzəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “fizzle” in a sentence?
Here is “fizzle” used in a sentence: “The protest movement fizzled out within a few weeks.”
What part of speech is “fizzle”?
Depending on how it is used, “fizzle” can be a verb and a noun.
How many meanings does “fizzle” have?
“Fizzle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to gradually fail or fade away after a promising start.
