Langimage
English

bungle

|bun/gle|

B2

/ˈbʌŋɡəl/

clumsy mistake

Etymology
Etymology Information

'bungle' originates from an unknown source, possibly Scandinavian, where 'bungla' meant 'to work clumsily'.

Historical Evolution

'bungla' transformed into the English word 'bungle' during the 16th century.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to work clumsily', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to carry out a task clumsily or incompetently'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a mistake or failure, typically one resulting from mismanagement or incompetence.

The project was a complete bungle from start to finish.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 1

to carry out a task clumsily or incompetently, leading to failure or an unsatisfactory outcome.

He bungled the job by not following the instructions.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35