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
The snafu was not the first time artificial intelligence has raised eyebrows in court. Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025 But for many parents, the snafu was less about the accreditation than a growing sense of distrust and lack of communication from leadership. Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 7 Apr. 2025 Avoiding supply chain snafus Weber’s thoughtful and customer-centric approach to innovation means nothing if product isn’t available online or at brick-and-mortar retailers. Tim Clark, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 The New York Times: With the Signal snafu, Waltz is thrust into the spotlight. Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 26 Mar. 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 22 Apr. 2025.

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