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
1
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."
2
A person who habitually makes serious mistakes.
"He was tired of being called the office screwup."
How to use screwup
Learner’s notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like screwup.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- screwups
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The missed shipment was a major _____ on our part.
Etymology
Formed from the phrasal verb "screw up," turned into a single noun.
Related words
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.
