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Dud - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A dud is something that fails to work or meet expectations, like a defective firework that doesn’t explode. It can also refer to a person or thing that is ineffective or disappointing.

dud

/dʌd/ /dʌd/

Definition:

Something that fails to work or meet expectations, often disappointingly.

Synonyms:

failure, flop, lemon, bust

Part of Speech:

noun, adjective

Antonyms:

success, hit

Common Collocations:

dud cheque, dud battery, dud firework

Derivatives:

duds (noun), duddy (adjective)

Usage Tips:

Use "dud" informally for defective items or failed efforts; avoid in formal contexts.

Common Phrases:

turn out a dud, a complete dud, dud of a deal

Etymology:

Originated in early 20th century slang, possibly from "duds" meaning clothes or worthless things.

Examples:

  • 1. The firework was a dud and didn’t explode.
  • 2. He bought a used car that turned out to be a dud.
  • 3. The movie was a total dud at the box office.
  • 4. Her joke fell flat—it was a real dud.

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