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.
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.