fizzles
Fails to ignite
Fizzles is the plural noun and third-person singular verb form of fizzle.
A fizzle is a weak, sputtering sound or a disappointing failure after a promising start.
When something fizzles, it makes a hissing noise while losing energy, like a damp firework.
More commonly, fizzles describes efforts or events that fail to deliver: The rally fizzled when only a dozen people showed up.
The phrase fizzle out emphasizes gradual decline into nothing.
Complete commercial failure
- bustFailure or sculpture
- washoutComplete failure or cancellation
- dudFailed device or effort
- misfireFailure to discharge
collapse · fiasco · debacle · nonstarter · dead duck · clunker · botch · bomb
Failure to satisfy expectations
- anticlimaxDisappointing conclusion after buildup
- deflationSustained decrease in prices
- disillusionmentBitter loss of faith
- disenchantmentLoss of cherished belief
underwhelming · unfulfilling · bummer · downer · dismay · frustration · regret · setback
Incapable of producing results
- fruitlessProducing no useful outcome
- unproductiveFailing to achieve results
- impotentLacking power or efficacy
- powerlessLacking strength or authority
useless · unavailing · vain · bootless · ineffective · toothless · sterile · unfruitful
Gradual loss of intensity
- dyingCeasing to live
- waningGradually decreasing in intensity
- petering outGradually diminishing to nothing
- taperingProgressive decrease in width
dwindling · ebbing · diminishing · subsiding · flagging · sputtering · trailing off · losing steam
flop
Complete commercial failure
misfire · collapse · fiasco · debacle · nonstarter · dead duck · clunker · botch · bomb · nosedive
letdown
Failure to satisfy expectations
- anticlimaxDisappointing conclusion after buildup
- deflationSustained decrease in prices
- disillusionmentBitter loss of faith
disenchantment · underwhelming · unfulfilling · bummer · downer · dismay · frustration · regret · setback · defeat
futile
Incapable of producing results
- fruitlessProducing no useful outcome
- unproductiveFailing to achieve results
- impotentLacking power or efficacy
powerless · useless · unavailing · vain · bootless · ineffective · toothless · sterile · unfruitful · inefficacious
fading
Gradual loss of intensity
- dyingCeasing to live
- waningGradually decreasing in intensity
- petering outGradually diminishing to nothing
tapering · dwindling · ebbing · diminishing · subsiding · flagging · sputtering · trailing off · losing steam · running out
fizzlessucceeds
Accomplishes a goal
triumphs · thrives · flourishes · excels · delivers
fizzlesbuilds
Creates by assembling parts
escalates · intensifies · surges · accelerates · snowballs
- fizzle outFail after promising start
- fizzling outGradually losing momentum