snafu

1 of 3

noun

sna·​fu sna-ˈfü How to pronounce snafu (audio)
ˈsna-ˌfü
: a situation marked by errors or confusion : muddle
also : an error causing such a situation
a scheduling snafu

snafu

2 of 3

adjective

: snarled or stalled in confusion : awry

snafu

3 of 3

verb

snafued; snafuing; snafus

transitive verb

: to bring into a state of confusion

Examples of snafu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
When an awards show snafu results in a rescue from MLB’s most eligible player, Miles, the tabloids explode with speculation. Lizz Schumer, People.com, 21 Apr. 2025 The Cuomo campaign’s matching funds flub comes after the ex-gov has in the past few days reeled from back-to-back public snafus. Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 15 Apr. 2025 Waltz, who added Goldberg to the chain, and Hegseth have faced calls from Democrats for their resignation over the snafu, but GOP leaders have mostly stood by them. Elizabeth Crisp, The Hill, 25 Mar. 2025 Denzel Washington, soon to return to the Broadway stage with Othello opposite Jake Gyllenhaal, came across a bit of an unforeseen snafu around rehearsals. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 8 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for snafu

Word History

Etymology

Noun

situation normal all fucked up (fouled up)

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1941, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1942, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of snafu was circa 1941

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Cite this Entry

“Snafu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snafu. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

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