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bombed

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbɑmd// UK //bˈɒmd// bombed Slang

v. to fail completely at something, like a test or a performance. It is a casual way to say that something went very badly.

v. to fail spectacularly or unsuccessfully, particularly in the context of a public performance or examination. Informal in register; often used in the past tense to describe a total lack of success.


SIMPLE

I totally bombed my history exam yesterday.

CONTEXTUAL

The comedian bombed during the late-night show because none of the audience members understood his jokes.

COMPLEX

Despite weeks of intensive rehearsals and high expectations from the producers, the play bombed on opening night, leading to its cancellation after only three performances.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

The verb is intransitive when referring to a performance failing, but can be used transitively in some dialects when referring to an exam.

Pitfall

The movie was bombed by the critics.The movie bombed with the critics.When meaning 'to fail,' the verb is intransitive; using it in the passive voice usually implies a physical attack with explosives.

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