oops
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/uːps/
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A brief exclamation acknowledging a minor mistake, and the noun for such a slip, used informally.
Examples
Oops, I misread the sign.
Oops, that was not what I meant.
Oops, I forgot to send the email.
We laughed at the little oops after the spill.
Oops, the cat knocked over the plant.
Similar words
mistake
uh‑oh
gaffe
blunder
whoops
my bad
boo‑boo
whoopsie
error
slip
Meanings
Examples
Oops! I dropped the vase.
Oops, I forgot to send the email.
Oops, that was not what I meant.
Oops, the cat knocked over the plant.
Oops, I misread the sign.
Similar words
whoops
uh‑oh
whoopsie
my bad
oopsie
whoops!
Examples
That typo was a total oops.
The presentation had several oopses that needed fixing.
She called the mistake an oops, not a disaster.
His oops cost the team a point.
We laughed at the little oops after the spill.
Similar words
mistake
error
blunder
slip
gaffe
boo‑boo
Etymology
Mid‑20th century alteration of whoops, an exclamation of surprise or error.
FAQ
What does oops mean as an interjection?
Oops is a short exclamation used to admit a minor mistake or an unexpected slip.
How is oops used as a noun?
As a noun, oops refers to a small error, often spoken humorously.
When should I write oops versus whoops?
Oops is preferred for tiny blunders, while whoops can convey a louder surprise or larger mistake.
Is oops appropriate in formal writing?
Because it is informal, oops is best kept to casual conversation or informal text.
Yes, the regular plural is oopses, used when referring to several small mistakes.
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