Air-balled is a term that is commonly used in basketball, but it has also found its way into everyday language. The term is used to describe a shot that misses the rim and the backboard completely, resulting in the ball flying out of bounds or into the hands of the opposing team. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of air-balled, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Air-balled is a term used to describe a basketball shot that misses the rim and the backboard completely, resulting in the ball flying out of bounds or into the hands of the opposing team. The term can also be used to describe any situation where someone fails to achieve their goal or misses their target completely.
Origin
The origin of air-balled is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in basketball. The term was likely coined by players or commentators who needed a way to describe a shot that missed the rim and the backboard completely.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term air-balled is not commonly found in dictionaries, but it is defined in a few sports-related dictionaries. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines air-balled as “to miss a shot in basketball so badly that the ball does not hit the rim or backboard.” The Oxford English Dictionary also defines air-balled as “to miss a shot in basketball so badly that the ball does not hit the rim or backboard.”
Associations
Air-balled is often associated with failure, embarrassment, and disappointment. In basketball, air-balling a shot can be humiliating for the shooter, and it can also have a negative impact on the team’s morale. Outside of basketball, air-balling can be used to describe any situation where someone fails to achieve their goal or misses their target completely.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for air-balled, including bricked, missed, whiffed, and flubbed. These terms are all used to describe a shot or attempt that fails to achieve its intended goal.
Antonyms
The antonyms of air-balled are successful, accurate, and on-target. These terms are used to describe a shot or attempt that achieves its intended goal.
The same root words
There are no root words for air-balled, as it is a compound word made up of “air” and “balled.”
Example Sentences
- “He air-balled his shot from the free-throw line, and the crowd groaned in disappointment.”
- “I tried to throw the ball to my friend, but I air-balled it and it ended up in the bushes.”
- “The quarterback air-balled his pass, and the opposing team intercepted it.”
- “She tried to make a good impression at the job interview, but she air-balled her answers and didn’t get the job.”