snafu

1 of 3

noun

sna·​fu sna-ˈfü 

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

Noun

The snafu took place on Monday ahead of a groundbreaking ceremony for a new training facility for missile operators at a nearby federal airfield in Santa Barbara. — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 20 Aug. 2026

While staying mum about what went down earlier today and acknowledging the harsh calendar, Zbur — a lawyer in a past life — offered optimism that the legislative tax credits snafu could be fixed in the next week. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 Aug. 2026

The shirt snafu comes in the wake of ongoing debates regarding transgender athletes’ right to play women’s sports. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

Fortunately, these common snafus are avoidable with a little careful planning. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 16 Aug. 2026

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