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
Del Toro is far from the first star to experience an airport security snafu. Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 5 June 2025 Update: Around 10:38 pm ET, Dept. Q resurfaced and appeared on Search on the streamer; TVLine has reached out to Netflix for comment on the nature of the snafu. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 29 May 2025 That could be paramount in avoiding a sentiment snafu à la Levi’s. Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 26 Mar. 2025 There was one snafu, though: While shuffling his feet trying to warm up from a scene involving a cold plunge, Reeves tripped on a piece of carpet and broke his kneecap. Mike Miller Published, EW.com, 28 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Snafu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snafu. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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