own goal
noun
1
chiefly British
: a goal in soccer, hockey, etc., that a player accidentally scores against his or her own team
2
British
: something that one does thinking it will help him or her but that actually causes one harm
The workers scored an own goal by demanding such high wages that no one could afford to employ them.
Examples of own goal in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This hypothetical No 9 would push opposition back lines towards their own goal, giving Amorim’s new signings – and Bruno Fernandes behind them – further space to exploit.
—
Carl Anka, New York Times, 28 July 2025
San Jose nearly took the lead in the 73rd minute on an own goal when newly minted MLS All-Star Cristian Espinoza served a ball in from the right wing and Dallas defender Lalas Abubakar volleyed it off the crossbar with his foot.
—Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 17 July 2025
In another own goal, a 2026 World Cup countdown boat party hosted by Telemundo, one of the official broadcasters for the games, was cancelled on June 12 after U.S. Coast Guard and CBP officers interrupted the festivities, which included Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and FIFA officials.
—Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
El Tri’s final match in group play ended with a scoreless draw against Costa Rica.
Mexico pushed ahead 2-0 in the 81st minute on an own goal by Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Madu.
—David Brandt, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for own goal
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Carl Anka, New York Times, 28 July 2025
San Jose nearly took the lead in the 73rd minute on an own goal when newly minted MLS All-Star Cristian Espinoza served a ball in from the right wing and Dallas defender Lalas Abubakar volleyed it off the crossbar with his foot.
—Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 17 July 2025
In another own goal, a 2026 World Cup countdown boat party hosted by Telemundo, one of the official broadcasters for the games, was cancelled on June 12 after U.S. Coast Guard and CBP officers interrupted the festivities, which included Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and FIFA officials.
—Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
El Tri’s final match in group play ended with a scoreless draw against Costa Rica.
Mexico pushed ahead 2-0 in the 81st minute on an own goal by Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Madu.
—David Brandt, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for own goal
Cite this Entry
“Own goal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/own%20goal. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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