By Fari Hub | Published: August 26, 2025 — 8:15 AM
Crosswords aren’t only about success — they also explore life’s missteps. A playful clue that often trips solvers is “failure informally nyt.”
It’s not about technical terms or official phrases — instead, it taps into the slang of setbacks. The kind of words we use casually when something doesn’t go as planned.
Understanding the Clue — “Failure Informally”
Literal Meaning
A failure is something that doesn’t succeed. But “informally” signals we’re looking for slang or casual phrasing — words you’d hear in conversation, not in a textbook.
Crossword Context
The clue often points to:
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FLOP (most common crossword answer)
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DUD (frequent alternative)
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BUST (another informal failure term)
The most accurate crossword answer: FLOP.
Common Crossword Answer
👉 FLOP — a four-letter word describing a failure, especially in entertainment or plans.
Possible Alternative Answers
DUD
Used when something fails to work — often for fireworks, movies, or products.
BUST
Casual slang for failure, often linked with money or business.
FLOP
Editors’ favorite choice, since it’s both common and crossword friendly.
Crossword Puzzle Breakdown (NYT Mini Style)
Across Clues
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1A. Failure, informally → FLOP
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4A. Product that bombs → DUD
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6A. Plan that doesn’t work → BUST
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7A. Success’s opposite → LOSS
Down Clues
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1D. Movie that tanks → FLOP
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2D. Broken firecracker → DUD
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3D. Collapse financially → BUST
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5D. Defeat in sports → LOSS
Hints for Solvers 📝
Gentle Hints
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Think of movies or shows that didn’t make it.
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Four letters, starts with “F.”
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Synonym for bomb or dud.
Answer Reveal
The crossword answer: FLOP.
Trivia About Informal Failures 🎉
FLOP in Pop Culture
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Used since the 19th century to describe stage productions that failed.
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Still common today for movies, shows, or business attempts.
DUD
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From Middle English “dudde,” meaning coarse clothing. Later shifted to mean “something useless.”
Crossword Trivia
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Informal words like FLOP and DUD appear often because they’re short, punchy, and familiar.
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NYT editors use slang clues to keep grids playful.
Difficulty Rating ⭐
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Clue Complexity: ★★★☆☆ (Requires thinking informally, not literally)
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Word Familiarity: ★★★★★ (Common slang)
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Crossword Popularity: ★★★★☆ (FLOP and DUD are frequent crossword entries)
Why Solvers Love This Clue
It’s Playful
Instead of harsh terms, the clue uses lighthearted slang.
It’s Relatable
Everyone’s experienced a flop — exams, shows, ideas.
It’s Clever
The “informally” tag makes you think outside the dictionary.
Additional Practice Crossword Clues
Across
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1A. Box office bomb (4) → FLOP
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3A. Firework failure (3) → DUD
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5A. Business collapse (4) → BUST
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7A. Big setback (4) → LOSS
Down
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1D. Epic failure, slang (4) → FLOP
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2D. Useless thing (3) → DUD
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4D. Opposite of win (4) → LOSS
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6D. Failed scheme (4) → BUST
Lessons from the Clue
Failure is Informal Too
Even setbacks can be described with humor and brevity.
Small Words, Big Meaning
“FLOP” is tiny, but it carries entire stories of failure.
Crosswords Mirror Life
They remind us that failure is part of learning — in puzzles and beyond.
A Poetic Reflection ✨
A stage goes dark, the curtain drops,
Dreams can stumble; plans can FLOP.
But every clue, both win and fall,
Reminds us of failure shapes us all.
Conclusion: From Flops to Fresh Starts
The crossword clue “failure informally nyt” teaches that not all answers are grand — some are simple slang.
The answer FLOP captures the essence of failure in four casual letters.
Just as every flop in life offers a lesson, every crossword setback makes solvers sharper.
Crosswords are stages — sometimes hits, sometimes flops, always worth the show.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is the NYT Crossword answer to “failure informally”?
A: The most common answer is FLOP.
Q2: What other answers could fit?
A: DUD or BUST.
Q3: Why does the clue say “informally”?
A: To signal slang instead of formal terms.
Q4: Do words like FLOP appear often in puzzles?
A: Yes — they’re short, familiar, and playful.
Q5: What’s the life lesson from this clue?
A: That even failures (flops) can be steppingstones to success.
