Blunder

/ˈblʌndər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

a stupid or careless mistake.

His decision to invest in the failing company was a major blunder.

a serious or embarrassing mistake.

The diplomat's blunder during the negotiations nearly derailed the peace talks.

a clumsy or careless act.

She laughed off her blunder when she spilled coffee on her shirt during the meeting.

verb

to make a mistake, typically a silly or careless one.

He blundered by forgetting to send the important email.

to move or act clumsily or blindly.

They blundered through the dark room, trying not to bump into anything.

Middle English; from 'blunderen', to stumble.

blunder into

To enter a situation by accident, often causing problems.

blunder away

To waste something, especially an opportunity, through foolishness.

slip up

To make a minor mistake casually.

mistake

An action or judgment that is misguided or wrong.

error

A deviation from accuracy or correctness.

To mess up.

He totally blundered that presentation.

To screw up.

I blundered my chance at a promotion.