blunder

[bluhn-der]

noun

1. a gross, stupid, or careless mistake.

   That's your second blunder this morning.

   Synonyms: error

verb (used without object)

1. to move or act blindly, stupidly, or without direction or steady guidance.

   Without my glasses I blundered into the wrong room.

2. to make a gross or stupid mistake, especially through carelessness or mental confusion.

   Just pray that he doesn't blunder again and get the names wrong.

verb (used with object)

1. to bungle; botch.

   Several of the accounts were blundered by that new assistant.

2. to utter thoughtlessly; blurt out.

   He blundered his surprise at their winning the award.

blunder

/ ˈblʌndə /

noun

1. a stupid or clumsy mistake

2. a foolish tactless remark

verb

1. to make stupid or clumsy mistakes

2. to make foolish tactless remarks

3. to act clumsily; stumble

   he blundered into a situation he knew nothing about

4. (tr) to mismanage; botch

Other Word Forms

• blunderer noun
• blundering noun
• blunderingly adverb
• nonblundering adjective
• nonblunderingly adverb
• outblunder verb (used with object)
• superblunder noun
• unblundering adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of blunder¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English blunderen, blondren (verb), from Old Norse blunda “to shut one's eyes, nap”; compare Norwegian dialect blundra

Word History and Origins

Origin of blunder¹

C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse blunda to close one's eyes, Norwegian dialect blundra ; see _blind

Synonym Study

See mistake.

Example Sentences

Analysts said the blunder was a "huge embarrassment" for WH Smith, which is looking for a fresh start after selling its UK High Street division earlier this year.

From BBC

He said Grok's "unrecognizable" and "blundering" play enabled o3 to claim a succession of "convincing wins".

From BBC

We look back at seven decades of Disneyland — its monumental launches, fascinating pivots, noteworthy blunders and where it’s heading from here.

From Los Angeles Times

Tuesday’s blunder, however, was even more of an egregious eyesore; even if Roberts and Muncy both described it as a tricky play.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s one thing for such a blunder to happen in a forgettable late May contest.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blooper 
• error 
• fault 
• gaffe 
• goof 
• inaccuracy 
• indiscretion 
• lapse 
• oversight