Fiasco: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "fiasco" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fiasco

🇮🇳 असफलता

🇩🇪 Fiasko

🇮🇩 kegagalan

🇺🇦 фіаско

🇵🇱 fiasko

🇯🇵 大失敗 (だいしっぱい)

🇫🇷 fiasco

🇪🇸 fiasco

🇹🇷 fiyasko

🇰🇷 대실패 (daesilpae)

🇸🇦 فشل ذري

🇨🇿 fiasko

🇸🇰 fiasko

🇨🇳 彻底失败 (chèdǐ shībài)

🇸🇮 polom

🇮🇸 misheppni

🇰🇿 сәтсіздік

🇬🇪 ფიასკო

🇦🇿 fiasko

🇲🇽 fiasco

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.

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21881 germinating
21882 relinquishing
21883 informality
21884 fiasco
21885 relict
21886 funerary
21887 comity
...