Browse all

fuck up

B1 slang separable both
In simple words

To make a big mistake that ruins something, or to seriously harm someone's mind or emotions.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic slang

To make a serious mistake or handle something very badly.

"I really fucked up — I sent the complaint email to the client instead of my manager."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic slang

To ruin or damage something through poor handling or error.

"The bad weather fucked up all our plans for the outdoor festival."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic slang

To cause serious psychological or emotional harm to someone.

"Growing up in that environment really fucked him up — he struggles to trust anyone."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

One of the most commonly used vulgar phrasal verbs in English. As a noun, 'a fuck-up' describes the mistake itself or a person who makes frequent errors. Can refer to practical mistakes (transitive) or emotional/psychological harm (transitive). Can also be used intransitively. Widely used across American and British English.

Commonly used with

completely really big time everything the plan someone's head

Forms

Base
fuck up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fucks up
he/she/it
Past simple
fucked up
yesterday
Past participle
fucked up
have + pp
-ing form
fucking up
continuous

Understand "fuck up" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "fuck up" on Looplines