dud

American  

[duhd] / dʌd /

noun

1. Informal. a device, person, or enterprise that proves to be a failure.

   Synonyms:

   flop, bomb, fizzle, debacle, fiasco

2. a shell or missile that fails to explode after being fired.

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dud British  

/ dʌd /

noun

1. a person or thing that proves ineffectual or a failure

2. a shell, etc, that fails to explode

3. old-fashioned (plural) clothes or other personal belongings

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adjective

1. failing in its purpose or function

   a dud cheque

Etymology

Origin of dud

1815–25; special use of dud, singular of duds

Example Sentences

The second-hand market for smartphones has surged in recent years, borne up by lower prices as well as interest in eco-friendly consumption even as some still fear buying a dud.

From Barron's

Consider the 1965 game Mystery Date, in which girls try to land a dreamy date and avoid the sloppily dressed “dud” guy.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the time, they had no idea whether it would be a good investment or a dud, he adds.

From The Wall Street Journal

But as a taxpayer investment so far, Bitcoin has been a dud.

From Barron's

“Makes sense to me,” said Aunt Pretty, folding up my new duds.

From Literature

Related Words

• debacle
• flop