intj
Uncommon
oops
oops
Oops (intj) means used to acknowledge a small mistake or accident. Example: “Oops, I forgot to save the file!”
intj
1
Used to acknowledge a small mistake or accident.
"Oops, I forgot to save the file!"
"Oops! I left the lid off the ketchup."
"Oops, I spilled my tea all over the table!"
"Oops! Sorry, I pressed the wrong button."
noun
1
A small, harmless mistake.
"That was a minor oops, nothing to worry about."
"Sending the email twice was just a silly oops."
"We all have the odd oops, like putting salt in the tea."
How to use oops
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA casual exclamation for a small slip-up.
When to use it
Very informal, used in everyday speech.
Easily confused with
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Word forms
- Plural
- oopses
- Third person singular
- oopses
- Past tense
- oopsed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____, I forgot to save the file!
Etymology
Attested since the 1920s, likely a shortened, natural-sounding form related to "whoops" and "upsy-daisy."
Class of 1920
oops joined the language around 1920.
See the full Class of 1920 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for oops
See all rhymes for oops →Frequently asked questions
What does “oops” mean?
The word “oops” means used to acknowledge a small mistake or accident. In plain terms, a casual exclamation for a small slip-up.
How do you pronounce “oops”?
“Oops” is pronounced oops (/ups/ in IPA).
How do you use “oops” in a sentence?
Here is “oops” used in a sentence: “Oops, I forgot to save the file!”
What part of speech is “oops”?
Depending on how it is used, “oops” can be an intj and a noun.
Where does the word “oops” come from?
The word “oops” dates back to around 1920. Attested since the 1920s, likely a shortened, natural-sounding form related to "whoops" and "upsy-daisy.".
Is “oops” a common word?
“Oops” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “oops” have?
“Oops” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: used to acknowledge a small mistake or accident.
When should you say oops instead of sorry?
Oops is an informal exclamation used to acknowledge a small, harmless mistake, such as a minor slip or accident, and works well in casual settings. "Sorry" is a more formal apology suited to situations where the mistake affects someone else or requires a genuine expression of regret.
Is oops appropriate in formal writing?
No, oops is an informal interjection best suited to casual speech or writing, and it is generally avoided in formal or professional contexts. In formal settings, a direct acknowledgment such as "my apologies" or "my mistake" is preferred.
Can oops be used as a noun?
Yes, oops can function as a noun meaning a small, harmless mistake, as in "that was a minor oops." This usage is informal and common in everyday conversation.
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