dud

Everyday

1. (informal) Something that does not work properly or is useless, like a firework that does not go off or a dead battery. tree →
2. (informal) A person or thing that fails or disappoints. tree →
3. duds (US, informal, old): clothes. tree →
4. (military) A bomb or shell that did not explode. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life, a dud battery, light bulb or firework; in safety lessons, a «dud» firework must never be picked up because it may still go off; in stories, a disappointing plan or present; phrases: «a dud firework», «turned out to be a dud».

Examples

• The last firework was a dud. tree →
• This battery is a dud; let's try another. tree →
• The new phone turned out to be a dud. tree →
• Never go back to a dud firework: it might explode. tree →
• (informal) The film was a dud, and nobody went to see it. tree →
• One of the eggs was a dud and did not hatch. tree →
• (US, old informal) He put on his best duds for the party. tree →

Note

Informal. Safety: wait at least 30 minutes and let an adult deal with a dud firework or unexploded bomb.