Foul-up

A 'foul-up' is an error, mistake, or blunder that causes a disruption, delay, or undesired outcome. It implies a failure to perform a task correctly or as planned, often due to carelessness, incompetence, or a lack of attention to detail. The term suggests a significant negative consequence stemming from the mistake, ranging from minor inconveniences to serious setbacks. A foul-up can occur in various contexts, from personal projects and professional endeavors to complex systems and operations. The severity of a foul-up can vary, but its defining characteristic is the undesirable outcome caused by a deviation from the expected or correct course of action. Often used in informal settings, it conveys frustration or disappointment due to a preventable error. The term emphasizes the unintended consequences arising from a deviation from the planned route, often involving problems that were avoidable with correct processes or due diligence.

Foul-up meaning with examples

• The project suffered a major foul-up when the shipment of crucial components arrived a week late, completely derailing the production schedule. The manager was furious, and the team scrambled to find a workaround, but the delay caused significant financial losses and damaged their reputation.
• During the concert, there was a major technical foul-up; the sound system malfunctioned just before the headliner was set to perform. This resulted in an embarrassing silence, followed by frantic attempts to fix the issue, leaving the audience restless and disappointed for about 15 minutes.
• The restaurant experienced a significant foul-up during its busiest night. The kitchen staff, overwhelmed by the volume of orders, mixed up several dishes, resulting in incorrect deliveries and a chaotic atmosphere. Customers grew frustrated by the errors, impacting tips and leading to negative reviews.
• The company's website had a security foul-up when sensitive customer data was accidentally exposed due to a coding error. The incident triggered a public relations crisis and a costly investigation, with the company now facing potential legal repercussions and reputational damage.