Botch: meaning, definitions and examples

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botch

[bɒtʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

to carry out a task

To botch something means to do a task or job badly or carelessly, resulting in a poor outcome.

Synonyms

blunder, bungling, mess up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
botch	Typically used to describe a job that was done poorly due to incompetence or lack of skill, often implying significant errors and a sloppy outcome. It has a negative connotation. 'He tried to fix the car himself, but he just botched the job ' 'The contractor botched the renovation, and now the kitchen looks worse than before '
mess up	Informal term used broadly to describe making an error or failing to do something correctly. It can apply to minor or major mistakes and is commonly used in everyday conversation. It has a negative connotation but can be less formal. 'He really messed up the project by not following the instructions ' 'If you mess up again, there will be serious consequences '
bungling	Refers to developing or carrying out tasks in a clumsy or inept way, highlighting ongoing incompetence or frequent mistakes. It implies a lack of skill and has a negative implication. 'His bungling attempts at cooking resulted in a burned meal ' 'The bungling thief tripped the alarm while trying to escape '
blunder	Used to describe a serious mistake usually caused by carelessness, confusion, or a lack of judgment. It often refers to an error with noticeable consequences and has a negative feel. 'The company's financial blunder cost them millions ' 'She realized her blunder the moment she hit send on the wrong email '

Examples of usage

He botched the job by not following the instructions properly.
She botched the presentation by forgetting important details.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

a mistake or failure

As a noun, botch refers to a mistake or failure, especially in the context of botched jobs or tasks.

Synonyms

failure, fiasco, mistake.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
botch	Used to describe a task or job that has been done badly or carelessly. He tried to fix the leak himself, but he made a complete botch of it The amateur painter botched the mural
failure	Used when referring to the overall inability to achieve a goal or objective. The project was deemed a failure after it did not meet its targets He felt like a failure after not passing the exam
mistake	General term for an error, often unintentional, and can vary in severity. I made a mistake by forgetting to save the document It was a mistake to leave the door unlocked
fiasco	Describes a situation that has gone very wrong in a chaotic or absurd way, often used humorously. The event was supposed to raise funds, but it turned into a complete fiasco Their attempt at baking a cake without a recipe ended in a fiasco

Examples of usage

The project was a botch from start to finish.
The company had to fix the botch caused by the previous contractor.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Middle English word 'bocchen,' which means to make a mess or spoil.
Originally, it referred to a clumsy or badly done job, particularly in craftsmanship or repairs.

Pop Culture

Botching a task has become a popular theme in reality TV, where contestants often face the risk of being eliminated for poor performance.
The term has been used frequently in comedic sketches to describe characters who fail spectacularly at simple tasks.

Psychology

Making a botch of something can lead to feelings of inadequacy or embarrassment, impacting self-esteem.
Research shows that people often fear botching tasks in front of others, which can cause anxiety and avoidance behavior.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often botch plans, leading to comical or tragic consequences, highlighting human fallibility.
Writers use the concept of botching as a plot device to develop conflict, showcasing the characters' flaws.

History

In construction history, several iconic structures faced botches during their builds, sometimes leading to redesigns or even collapse.
Botching a task can be traced back to various historical events where miscalculations led to significant changes in outcomes, like failing military strategies.

Translations

Translations of the word "botch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 erro

🇮🇳 गड़बड़

🇩🇪 Patzer

🇮🇩 kesalahan

🇺🇦 помилка

🇵🇱 błąd

🇯🇵 失敗

🇫🇷 bévue

🇪🇸 error

🇹🇷 hata

🇰🇷 실수

🇸🇦 خطأ

🇨🇿 chyba

🇸🇰 chyba

🇨🇳 错误

🇸🇮 napaka

🇮🇸 mistök

🇰🇿 қате

🇬🇪 შეცდომა

🇦🇿 səhv

🇲🇽 error

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,693, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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35692 desecrating
35693 botch
35694 accustoming
35695 hearkening
35696 decongestant
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