flop

B2 · Upper Intermediate Informal

v. to fail completely, especially a movie, book, or business idea.

v. to be completely unsuccessful; used primarily for commercial or creative projects that fail to meet expectations.

“The expensive superhero movie flopped at the box office.”

“Despite a massive marketing campaign, the startup's new social media app flopped within three months of its release.”

C1 · Advanced Sports Informal

v. to fall down on purpose in a game to make the referee think you were fouled.

v. to deliberately fall or stumble to deceive an official into calling a foul on an opponent.

“The basketball player flopped to get a free throw, but the ref saw it.”

“The league began fining players who flopped, hoping to discourage the practice of exaggerating contact to manipulate the officials.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal

n. a person or thing that is a total failure.

n. a complete failure, particularly a theatrical production, film, or commercial product.

“The party was a total flop because nobody showed up.”

“Critics predicted the play would be a hit, but it turned out to be a commercial flop and closed after one week.”

C2 · Proficiency Informal

adv. completely or directly, often describing how someone falls.

adv. in a flat, heavy, or direct manner; often used to describe the sound or motion of a fall.

“He fell flop on his face in the middle of the playground.”

“The fish landed flop on the deck of the boat, startling the young fisherman.”