goof up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To make a mistake.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
If I go near a skateboard, I'm sure I'm just going to goof up and fall off.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To introduce problems to or damage through incompetence.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “goof up” mean?
To make a mistake.
Is “goof up” formal or informal?
goof up is generally slang.