screwup noun3 •(informal) A substantial mistake, usually causing problems for more people than just the person or group who made it.The Ford administration emerged in better shape than it deserved from the fantastic screw-up that preceded the release of the Rockefeller... — 1977 •(informal) A person who often makes substantial mistakes; a bungler. •(informal) A person who is mentally or emotionally damaged. formsscrewups