What does "bombed" mean?

1. (attacked with explosives) attacked or damaged using bombs. 2. (failed completely) failed very badly, especially a performance or a test. 3. (very drunk or high) extremely affected by alcohol or drugs.

How do you use "bombed"?

Usually follows a linking verb like 'get' or 'be'.

bombed

v. · adj.

US //ˈbɑmd// UK //bˈɒmd// bombed

1 attacked with explosives (v.)
B1 Intermediate

attacked or damaged using bombs.

subjected to an attack involving explosive devices. Transitive in this sense.

Example

The old factory was bombed during the war and never rebuilt.

Example

The strategic port was bombed repeatedly throughout the winter, leaving the supply lines in a state of total collapse.
- defended
- protected
2 failed completely (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

failed very badly, especially a performance or a test.

failed significantly or was received very poorly by an audience. Intransitive in this sense.

Example

I thought my jokes were funny, but I totally bombed on stage last night.

Example

Despite the massive marketing budget, the film bombed at the box office during its opening weekend.
- succeeded
- triumphed
3 very drunk or high (adj.)
C1 Advanced Slang

extremely affected by alcohol or drugs.

heavily intoxicated by alcohol or under the influence of controlled substances.

Example

He stayed at home because he got way too bombed at the party.

Example

The group arrived at the diner looking completely bombed, much to the annoyance of the late-night staff.

Usage

Usually follows a linking verb like 'get' or 'be'.
- sober

Last updated June 20, 2026