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fail spectacularly
/feɪl spɛkˈtæk.jə.li/
to fail in a highly noticeable or dramatic way
The startup failed spectacularly after its CEO made a series of poor decisions.
The company's failure was very public and dramatic due to the CEO's mistakes.
informal
to fail in a highly noticeable or dramatic way, often with significant consequences
The new product launch failed spectacularly when it crashed during the live demo.
The product launch was a dramatic failure because it malfunctioned during the presentation.
His attempt to impress the audience failed spectacularly when he forgot his lines.
His effort to impress the audience backfired badly when he couldn't remember his speech.
This phrase emphasizes the dramatic or public nature of the failure, often with a sense of irony or humor.
Collocations
fail spectacularlyto fail in a highly noticeable or dramatic way
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Usage Context
This phrase is often used in informal or humorous contexts to describe failures that are highly visible or dramatic.
Gold Rule
Tone
The phrase can carry a tone of irony or humor, so use it carefully in professional settings.
Word Origin
The phrase combines 'fail' (to be unsuccessful) with 'spectacularly' (in a dramatic or impressive way), creating a contrast between the negative outcome and the dramatic manner in which it happens.
Usage Notes
This phrase is often used in informal contexts to describe failures that are highly visible or have significant consequences. It can carry a tone of irony or humor.
Word Breakdown
fail
to be unsuccessful
rootspectacularly
in a dramatic or impressive way
adverbEnglish Dictionary