# goof up

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/goof-up
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to make a silly mistake or fail at something because you were not careful.

For teachers: to commit a blunder or perform a task poorly; typically implies a lack of focus or competence in a specific instance.

## Examples

- I really goofed up the interview by arriving late.
- The baker goofed up the order and sent a chocolate cake instead of a vanilla one.
- Although the project was nearly finished, the intern goofed up the final data entry, forcing the entire team to stay late and recalibrate the results.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He goofed the plan up." but "He goofed up the plan." — while technically possible to separate, 'goof up' is most commonly used as an inseparable unit when followed by a noun object.

## Usage notes

- can be used with or without a direct object.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'mess up' or 'screw up'; 'goof up' is slightly more lighthearted and less harsh than 'screw up', though both are informal.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.