flop

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flop" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that fails or is unsuccessful, often in the context of a project, performance, or product. Example: "The movie was expected to be a blockbuster, but it turned out to be a complete flop at the box office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This season has truly been a collective flop at QPR.

The Guardian - Sport

The network also cancelled expensive flop Terra Nova (proof that dinosaurs do not always equal hit show), JJ Abrams' produced Alcatraz, Bones spin-off The Finder, animated shows Allen Gregory and Napoleon Dynamite and sitcoms I Hate My Teenage Daughter and the Christian Slater-led Breaking In.

The Guardian

Sinn Féin's flop in the Republic's recent election was a perfect springboard for a move like this.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was followed by his greatest flop, from which his cinema career never fully recovered, the American-made comedy Honky Tonk Freeway.

The Guardian

When Ronaldo fails to score, the striker deficit becomes more apparent and the fans' thoughts turn to Bébé, the United flop who has shown, finally, his goal talents in the national League.

The Guardian - Sport

Lawson, last seen on Channel 4's cookery contest flop The Taste, will make a rather longer return to the BBC on BBC2 cookery show, Simply Nigella.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

In fact, the whole island seems to take it personally if total flop-out is not achieved at least by day three.

The Guardian - Travel

A year ago he favoured keeping income taxes at their current levels; now he wants to slash them for everybody, with the rate falling from 35% to 28% for the richest Americans.All politicians flip-flop from time to time; but Mr Romney could win an Olympic medal in it (see article).

The Economist

A vote "in favour of the bad against the worse" is how these reformists justified their flip-flop.

The Economist

Back in the 1950s, Taiwan was part of the region's plastic-flowers and flip-flop-sandals economy.

The Economist

After all, the league failed to introduce similar punishments in 2008, after a particularly flop-filled season.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "flop" to describe a failed performance, ensure the context clearly indicates what aspect underperformed (e.g., box office numbers, critical reception).

Common error

Avoid using "flop" in situations requiring more nuanced language to describe partial or minor failures. "Flop" implies a complete and often embarrassing failure.

Linguistic Context

The word "flop" functions primarily as a noun referring to a complete failure, especially in entertainment or business. It also acts as a verb meaning to fail completely or to fall heavily. Ludwig AI indicates that the word is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "flop" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun or verb to describe a complete and often embarrassing failure. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is grammatically correct and frequently observed across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it can adopt an informal tone depending on the situation. When aiming to express utter failure or to provide critical commentary, "flop" serves as an effective and widely understood term. The related phrases provide alternate choices to adapt to formal/informal writing needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total failure

Emphasizes the completeness of the failure, similar to a major "flop".

complete bust

Indicates an utter failure, especially in business or entertainment.

fizzle out

Describes a gradual decline and eventual failure, akin to a project "flopping".

fall flat

Highlights the lack of impact or success, synonymous with a "flop".

go down badly

Indicates a negative reception and failure to impress, similar to a performance "flopping".

prove unsuccessful

A formal way of saying something didn't succeed, like a venture that "flopped".

turn sour

Describes a situation that initially looked promising but ended in failure.

be a disappointment

Highlights the failure to meet expectations, like a movie that "flopped".

miss the mark

Indicates a failure to achieve the intended goal or outcome.

end in ruin

Conveys a complete and catastrophic failure, comparable to a massive "flop".

FAQs

How is the word "flop" typically used?

The word "flop" is commonly used to describe a complete or embarrassing failure, especially in the context of entertainment, business, or sports. It can function as both a noun and a verb.

What are some synonyms for "flop"?

Synonyms for "flop" include "failure", "fiasco", "bust", "dud", and "turkey". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "flop" as a verb?

Yes, "flop" can be used as a verb, meaning to fall heavily or fail completely. For example, "He flopped onto the couch" or "The movie flopped at the box office".

What's the difference between a "flop" and a "failure"?

While both terms indicate a lack of success, "flop" often carries a stronger connotation of being sudden, unexpected, and sometimes comical or embarrassing. "Failure" is a more general term for a lack of success, while "flop" suggests a more spectacular or noticeable failure.