fail spectacularly

/feɪl spɛkˈtæk.jə.li/
phraseIntermediate💡 to fail in a highly noticeable or dramatic way
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

crash and burnphrase
to fail completely and dramatically
flopphrase
to fail in a noticeable way

💡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
root
+
spectacularly
in a dramatic or impressive way
adverb
English Dictionary