Definition
The word “flop” refers to a sudden failure or a complete collapse, typically in a dramatic or unsuccessful manner. It can be used as a noun to describe an unsuccessful event, performance, or venture, or as a verb to mean the act of failing or falling in a disappointing manner.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun and verb
Synonyms
failure, collapse, debacle, fiasco, disaster, bust, defeat, letdown, botch, flop show, debacle, flounder.
Antonyms
Success, triumph, hit, accomplishment, victory, achievement, blockbuster.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | flop, floppy, flops, floppies |
| Verb | flopped, flopping, flops, flop |
| Adjective | floppy |
| Adverb | flop |
Example Sentences
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The highly anticipated movie turned out to be a flop, failing to impress both critics and audiences alike.
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Despite their efforts, the team’s new strategy turned into a flop, resulting in a series of losses.
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The business venture was a complete flop as they underestimated the market demand and failed to attract customers.
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The comedian’s jokes fell flat, and the audience responded with disappointed silence, making his performance a flop.
Usage
The word “flop” has an interesting history and versatile usage. Its origin can be traced back to the mid-17th century, where it was primarily used in the context of theatrical performances. In the theater, a flop referred to a play or performance that was received poorly by the audience, resulting in financial loss for the producers. This usage of “flop” as a noun is still prevalent today, referring to any type of unsuccessful event, project, or venture.
Furthermore, the word “flop” can also be used as a verb, indicating the act of failing or falling in a disappointing manner. This usage often applies to situations where something or someone was expected to succeed but instead experienced a sudden decline or failure. For example, if a company launches a new product that fails to generate the expected sales or if an athlete falls short of expectations in a competition, it can be described as a flop.
Additionally, the word “flop” can be combined with prefixes, suffixes, or root words to create related terms. One such example is the term “flop show,” which refers to a complete failure or disaster of an event or production. The addition of the word “show” intensifies the connotation of failure. Similarly, the term “flounder” can be used as a verb to describe a situation where someone struggles or flails helplessly, often leading to failure.
The versatility of the word “flop” allows it to be used in various contexts outside of theater and entertainment. It has become a commonly used term to describe failures or disappointments in different domains such as business, sports, and even personal endeavors. Its simplicity and straightforwardness make it a convenient word to convey the idea of a sudden and unsuccessful outcome.