bomb out: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2/C1Informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “bomb out” mean?
To fail spectacularly or completely.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To fail spectacularly or completely.
To perform very poorly; to be unsuccessful in a dramatic or total way. Can also refer to leaving a place hastily or in a dramatic fashion (slang).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English. In British English, 'bomb' alone (as in 'the exam was a bomb') can mean 'to fail', but the phrasal verb 'bomb out' is less frequent.
Connotations
Both varieties understand it as a vivid, informal term for failure.
Frequency
Medium frequency in AmE; low-to-medium in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “bomb out” in a Sentence
[Subject] bombed out[Subject] bombed out of [event/test][Subject] bombed out on [test/task]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bomb out” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He studied all night but still bombed out in the final exam.
- The new band bombed out at their first major gig.
American English
- I totally bombed out on my history midterm.
- She bombed out of the tournament in the first round.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, considered too informal for most business writing. Might be used in speech: 'Our presentation bombed out with the investors.'
Academic
Not used in formal academic writing.
Everyday
Common in spoken language discussing tests, performances, sports: 'I bombed out on my driving test.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bomb out”
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Confusing it with 'bomb' meaning 'to be very successful' (slang, opposite meaning).
- Incorrect preposition: 'bomb out *at* the test' (use 'on' or 'of').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and vivid, but not generally offensive. It might be considered insensitive if used to describe someone's personal failure in a harsh way.
No, it is intransitive. You bomb out. You cannot 'bomb something out'.
'Bomb' can mean to fail ('the movie bombed') or to be very successful (slang, 'the party was bomb!'). 'Bomb out' is specifically a phrasal verb meaning to fail completely and often abruptly, sometimes with the sense of being eliminated.
Not directly. The related noun for the event is 'a bomb' (meaning a failure), e.g., 'The play was a total bomb.'
To fail spectacularly or completely.
Bomb out is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Bomb out: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒm aʊt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːm aʊt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bomb out big time”
- “go down in flames (similar imagery)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bomb (explosive) going off and destroying all your chances of success. If you 'bomb out', your effort explodes into failure.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAILURE IS A DESTRUCTIVE EXPLOSION / A CATASTROPHIC EVENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bomb out' LEAST appropriate?