dud

UK: /ˈdʌd/ US: /dʌd/ ,(dud)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

dud /dʌd/   n. [countable]

1. a device, person, or business that proves to be a failure:
   His new play was a dud.
2. Military a shell or missile that fails to explode after being fired.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

dud  (dud), n. 

1. a device, person, or enterprise that proves to be a failure.
2. Military a shell or missile that fails to explode after being fired.

• special use of dud, singular of duds 1815–25

Synonyms

• 1. fiasco, debacle, fizzle, miscarriage.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

dud / dʌd/ noun

1. a person or thing that proves ineffectual or a failure
2. a shell, etc, that fails to explode
3. (plural) clothes or other personal belongings

adjective

1. failing in its purpose or function: a dud cheque

Etymology: 15th Century (in the sense: an article of clothing, a thing, used disparagingly): of unknown origin