Debacle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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debacle
[dษชหbษห.kษl ]
Definitions
political
A sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco. It is used to describe a complete collapse or breakdown, especially in the context of politics or business.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| debacle |
This word is best used to describe a complete and sudden collapse or failure, usually accompanied by chaos or disarray.
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| disaster |
This term is appropriate for describing a sudden event or series of events causing great harm, damage, or adverse impact. It often carries a connotation of unexpected calamity.
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| failure |
Used to denote the lack of success in achieving a goal or objective. It has a more general application and not necessarily implies chaos or disaster.
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| fiasco |
This word is suitable for describing an event that is not just a failure but an embarrassingly bad situation, often highlighting incompetence or poor planning.
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Examples of usage
- The government's handling of the crisis was a complete debacle.
- The company's latest product launch turned into a debacle.
sports
A defeat or rout; a sudden and overwhelming defeat. It is commonly used in the context of sports competitions.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| debacle |
This word is used to describe a sudden and complete failure that is often embarrassing or disastrous.
|
| defeat |
A general term used to describe the act of being beaten in a competition, contest, or conflict.
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| rout |
This word is used to indicate a decisive and crushing defeat, often causing disarray and retreat.
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| trouncing |
Informally used to describe a very heavy defeat in sports or competition, often with a connotation of being thoroughly beaten.
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Examples of usage
- The team suffered a humiliating debacle in the final match of the season.
- The boxer's career came to an end after a series of debacles in the ring.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Events
- The term gained prominence during the 19th century, particularly after the disastrous military retreat of the French army from Russia in 1812, which was a notable 'debacle'.
- The term was also used to describe the collapse of the Confederate government during the American Civil War, marking a significant turning point.
- In more modern contexts, it has been used to describe the failures of various business ventures that led to massive financial losses, such as the dot-com bubble burst.
Pop Culture
- The word was popularized in mainstream media during the 2000 presidential election, particularly in discussions surrounding campaign failures.
- Some movies and TV shows have depicted characters facing their own 'debacles', driving home the idea of comedy through failure.
- The concept of a 'debacle' often serves as a plot device, creating drama and tension in literature and film as characters navigate their unfortunate circumstances.
Psychology
- Experiencing a debacle can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment, often affecting one's self-esteem and mental well-being.
- The fear of failure, often referred to as 'atychiphobia', can prevent individuals from trying new things, fearing a debacle.
- Coping strategies, such as resilience training, help individuals deal with the emotional fallout from failures and debacles.
Origin of 'debacle'
Main points about word origin
- This word comes from the French word 'dรฉbรขcle', which means 'to unbar' or 'to break up', referring to the breaking up of ice in a river.
- Originally used in the context of a flood, the term has evolved to describe any large-scale disaster, particularly in politics or business.
- The word entered the English language in the mid-19th century, reflecting a shift in how failure was discussed amidst societal changes.
The word 'debacle' originated from the French word 'dรฉbรขcle', which means 'a breaking up of ice'. It was first used in English in the early 19th century to describe the sudden breaking up of ice on a river. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to any sudden and disastrous collapse or defeat.