noun

screwup

Screwup (noun) means a significant mistake, especially one that affects other people. Example: “The missed shipment was a major screwup on our part.”

noun

A significant mistake, especially one that affects other people.

"The missed shipment was a major screwup on our part."

"That screwup cost the company thousands of dollars."

A person who habitually makes serious mistakes.

"He was tired of being called the office screwup."

How to use screwup

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA bad mistake, or someone who keeps making them.

When to use it

Informal; use "error" or "mistake" in formal writing.

Common pairings

a major screwup admit a screwup fix the screwup

Word forms

screwups plural

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The missed shipment was a major _____ on our part.

Etymology

Formed from the phrasal verb "screw up," turned into a single noun.

Frequently asked questions

What does “screwup” mean?

The word “screwup” means a significant mistake, especially one that affects other people. In plain terms, a bad mistake, or someone who keeps making them.

How do you use “screwup” in a sentence?

Here is “screwup” used in a sentence: “The missed shipment was a major screwup on our part.”

What part of speech is “screwup”?

“Screwup” is a noun.

How many meanings does “screwup” have?

“Screwup” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a significant mistake, especially one that affects other people.