fluke -
Unlikely chance occurrence, especially a surprising piece of luck
Since he was the worst player on his baseball team, Taylor knew the home run he had just hit was a fluke.
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Mistake
verb
bobble -
To lose one's grip (on a ball)
The wide receiver bobbled the ball and was unable to complete the play.
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3 of38 Bad /
Mistake
noun
fiasco -
A thing that is a complete failure, especially in a ludicrous or humiliating way
In the 1980s, Coca-Cola released New Coke, which ended up being one of the costliest business fiascos ever.
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Mistake
verb
flub -
To fail or make a mistake
The outfielder flubbed the catch when the baseball flew past him.
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5 of38 Bad /
Mistake
noun
blooper -
An embarrassing error
Movies will frequently have blooper reels where the actors laugh and ruin a scene.
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6 of38 Bad /
Mistake
noun
flaw -
A mark, fault, or other imperfection that mars a substance or object
Supermodel Cindy Crawford's mole is viewed as a flaw that makes her even more beautiful.
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noun
boondoggle -
Work or activity that is wasteful or pointless but gives the appearance of having value
When the funds dried up before the bridge could be finished, it turned into an expensive boondoggle that couldn't transport anybody.
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Mistake
noun
Picture
aberration -
A departure from what is normal, usual, or expected.
The principal let Johnny go without any punishment, because his outburst had been an aberration from his usual good behavior.
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9 of38 Bad /
Mistake
adjective
indiscreet -
Saying something that should be private, showing a lack of judgment,
John realized that he had been indiscreet when he revealed on the job interview as a financial advisor that he had lost all his money in the stock market.
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Mistake
noun
snafu -
A confused or chaotic state; a mess
A lack of funding led to the snafu of an incomplete bridge being built across the river.
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Mistake
verb
scuttle -
To be forced to cancel one's plans
Because he couldn't give up his smoking habit, Barry had to scuttle his plans to be a great runner.
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12 of38 Bad /
Mistake
nounverb noun
fumble -
An act of using the hands clumsily while doing or handling something
Owen made a major fumble on his date when he knocked over his glass of wine.