Fizzled

To fizzle is to end or fail, often in a disappointing or anticlimactic way. It signifies a gradual loss of energy, enthusiasm, or effectiveness, ultimately leading to a complete cessation. The term can be applied to various contexts, including projects, relationships, or even physical phenomena. A fizzle often implies a build-up of expectation that isn't met, leaving a sense of letdown or unfulfillment. It suggests a slow, drawn-out failure, in contrast to a sudden or abrupt collapse. A fizzled event may also demonstrate a dwindling down, or a gradually decreasing effectiveness, often due to a lack of sufficient resources or a change in conditions, rather than a single catastrophic event.

Fizzled meaning with examples

• The fireworks display, anticipated for weeks, fizzled out after only a few weak sparks, leaving the crowd underwhelmed and the children in tears. It was a true disappointment and a waste of the money spent on it. The damp weather quickly became a problem and created some issues with the sparklers not catching alight.
• Their ambitious plan to launch a new business venture fizzled out due to lack of funding and poor market research, proving to be a failed effort, despite the initial excitement. The founders had to come to terms with their failure and look into future plans once again. It wasn't until their second year they had the resources.
• The passionate argument between the couple eventually fizzled into an uncomfortable silence as both sides decided to walk away from the conversation. Neither wanted to continue the discussion, so peace was restored, although at the cost of resolution of their conflict.
• The initial excitement around the project team's brainstorming session fizzled when they realized the ideas weren't feasible. Without the necessary components, it became clear that a new plan was needed, because this plan fizzled.