own goal

noun

1

chiefly British : a goal in soccer, hockey, etc., that a player accidentally scores against his or her own team

2

British : something that one does thinking it will help him or her but that actually causes one harm

The workers scored an own goal by demanding such high wages that no one could afford to employ them.

Examples of own goal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Browns swarming Joe Burrow for sacks on three consecutive plays in the fourth quarter, driving the Bengals back from the 20 to their own goal line, was an incredible show of force created by a front four that will only improve with more time together. —Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025

San Jose coach Bruce Arena bemoaned giveaways that led to a goal by Austin’s Myrto Uzuni in the 33rd minute and an own goal by the Earthquakes in the 77th minute. —Jon Becker, Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2025

Here are three takeaways: United fell behind on an own goal in the 80th minute, but then Wil Trapp lofted a great pass to set up Robin Lod to score in the 85th minute to secure a draw. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 31 Aug. 2025

In the third minute of second-half stoppage time, the Pride found a way back into the match thanks to a Louisville own goal. —Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 Aug. 2025

Rhymes for own goal

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol