Word: Bungle
Part of Speech: Verb (also used as a noun)
Definition: To "bungle" something means to do it badly or clumsily, resulting in a mistake or mess. When you bungle a task, you spoil it because you are careless or not skilled enough.
Usage Instructions: - Use "bungle" when talking about making a mistake due to clumsiness or lack of skill. - It can be used in both formal and informal situations.
Examples: - Verb: "I bungled the presentation by forgetting my notes." - Noun: "The project was a bungle because we didn't plan properly."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced contexts, you can use "bungle" to refer to a situation where poor management or execution leads to failure. For example: - "The team's bungle in the final report cost them the contract."
Word Variants: - Bungling (adjective): Describing someone or something that is clumsy or inept. - Example: "His bungling attempts to fix the car only made it worse." - Bungler (noun): A person who bungles things. - Example: "He’s a bungler when it comes to cooking."
Different Meanings:While "bungle" primarily refers to making a mistake, it can also imply a lack of coordination or ability in various tasks.
Synonyms: - Botch - Mess up - Fumble - Screw up - Mishandle
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with "bungle," but similar expressions might include: - "Drop the ball" (to fail in doing something). - "Get it wrong" (to make a mistake).
Example in Context:Imagine you're cooking for friends, and you accidentally burn the main dish. You might say, "I really bungled the dinner last night; we ended up ordering pizza instead!"
In summary, remember that "bungle" is all about making mistakes because of carelessness or lack of skill.