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Bungled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bungled

[หˆbสŒล‹ษกษ™ld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

to do badly

To bungle something means to carry it out in a clumsy or inept manner. It suggests a lack of skill or precision in executing a task, often resulting in mistakes or failures. The term is frequently used when discussing tasks that could be performed well but are instead handled poorly due to carelessness or incompetence. This verb can apply to a wide array of activities, from simple tasks to complex operations.

Synonyms

blunder, botch, fumbling, mess up.

Examples of usage

  • He bungled the job interview.
  • The team bungled the project deadlines.
  • She bungled her lines during the performance.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term appeared in popular media and literature, often to describe comedic mistakes, such as in films where a character fumbles a plan.
  • It has found a place in various TV shows, often presenting humorous plot twists as a character botches a situation.

Psychology

  • Research shows that when we feel anxious, we are more likely to bungle tasks, as our minds struggle to focus.
  • Cognitive load theory suggests that overloaded brains can lead to mistakes, aligning with the concept of bungling.

Literature

  • Classic plays often feature bungled plans that lead to dramatic irony, where the audience knows what characters do not.
  • Many comedic novels use bungling characters to create laughter through their failed attempts at success.

History

  • Throughout history, several important military strategies have failed due to bungled executions, impacting outcomes significantly.
  • The term has been used to describe infamous political blunders, highlighting the pitfalls of poor planning.

Origin of 'bungled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'bungle,' which likely has roots in the 16th century, implying clumsiness.
  • It is believed to be related to the word 'bung,' which means to block or plug, hinting at stopping things from working well.

The word 'bungle' possibly derives from the Scottish word 'bung', which means to work clumsily or to waste, and the language has contributed to its evolution over time. The usage of 'bungle' in English dates back to the 16th century, initially indicating the act of working ineptly or clumsily. By the 17th century, it became firmly associated with the idea of messing something up or failing to carry out a task successfully. Despite its humble origins, the term has found a place in everyday language, often used in both casual and formal contexts to reflect error due to incompetence. It captures the essence of various failures, making it a versatile term in expressing disappointment regarding the execution of tasks.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,424 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.