Dud

/dʌd/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A thing that fails to work properly or is otherwise unsatisfactory.

The new smartphone turned out to be a dud, constantly crashing during use.

A firework that fails to explode.

We were disappointed when the big firework turned out to be a dud.

An unsuccessful or unproductive person.

He felt like a dud at the party, unable to join in on the conversations.

verb

To be a failure or to not succeed.

The movie was expected to be a blockbuster, but it dud out at the box office.

Origin unknown, possibly from the British slang for a damp firework.

dud check

A check or test that yields no useful result or indicates failure.

dud act

A performance that is disappointing or fails to impress.

dud movie

A film that is poorly received, either critically or commercially.

flop

A failure, particularly in terms of performance or reception.

bomb

A total failure, often used in the context of entertainment.

failure

The lack of success in achieving or doing something.

Someone who is awkward or socially inept.

He's such a dud at parties; he just stands in the corner.

An item that is considered worthless or a wasted effort.

That new game was a total dud; nobody liked it.