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Fiasco Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fiasco

[fiˈæskoʊ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

event

A complete failure or disaster, often resulting from a ridiculous or absurd situation. It can refer to a major setback or a total collapse of a plan.

Synonyms

catastrophe, debacle, disaster.

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Word Description / Examples
fiasco

Used to describe a complete failure, often in a somewhat humorous or embarrassing way, implying that the failure was due to mismanagement or poor planning.

  • The company's launch event turned into a fiasco when the live stream failed.
  • The dinner party was a fiasco because half the guests never showed up.
debacle

Often used to describe a sudden and embarrassing failure that is particularly notable. It indicates a complete and utter breakdown of a system or event.

  • The new product's launch was a debacle; not a single unit was sold.
  • The team's performance in the tournament was a debacle; they lost every match.
catastrophe

Applied in situations involving severe, often widespread disaster or misfortune that has serious consequences. It typically carries a heavier, more serious tone.

  • The earthquake was a catastrophe that left thousands homeless.
  • The oil spill was an environmental catastrophe.
disaster

Can describe any unfortunate event leading to significant damage, loss, or hardship. It ranges from personal, professional, to natural contexts.

  • The storm caused a disaster in the coastal town, destroying many homes.
  • His presentation was a disaster; the slides wouldn't load, and he forgot his notes.

Examples of usage

  • The concert turned into a fiasco when the main singer forgot the lyrics and stormed off stage.
  • The company's attempt to launch a new product ended in a fiasco due to poor planning and execution.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In film and television, a 'fiasco' often happens when a character's plan dramatically fails, adding humor or drama.
  • Many reality television shows thrive on 'fiasco' moments, showcasing participants facing unexpected and embarrassing failures.
  • The infamous Fyre Festival of 2017 is often cited as a modern example of a grand fiasco, with extravagant promises leading to dismal results.

Psychology

  • Experiencing a 'fiasco' can lead to feelings of shame or embarrassment, impacting one's self-esteem and confidence.
  • The fear of making mistakes and having a 'fiasco' often drives people to avoid taking risks, limiting their opportunities for success.
  • Understanding why a situation became a fiasco can help in learning and resilience, turning failures into future successes.

Literature

  • Fiascos often appear in comedy books and plays, highlighting the absurdity of certain situations and human folly.
  • Famous authors like Shakespeare crafted many scenes that can be considered 'fiascos' due to misunderstandings or chaotic plots.
  • In the literary world, the term can describe a plot twist that fails to resonate, leaving readers feeling unsatisfied.

Origin of 'fiasco'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Italian term 'fiasco,' which means 'flask' or 'bottle,' possibly linked to a play that went wrong.
  • In the 19th century, a famous explanation related to a failed performance in a play, where the actors would end poorly and the audience would call it a 'fiasco.'
  • The term has evolved over time, moving from a reference to a specific object to a broader meaning of failure.

The word 'fiasco' originated from Italian, where it originally referred to a bottle of wine with a straw basket. Over time, the meaning evolved to signify a failure or disaster. The term gained popularity in English during the 19th century and has since become commonly used to describe major setbacks or collapses.

See also: fiascos.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,884, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.