This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
bungle
[ buhng-guhl ]
/ ˈbʌŋ gəl /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object), bun·gled, bun·gling.
to do clumsily and awkwardly; botch: He bungled the job.
verb (used without object), bun·gled, bun·gling.
to perform or work clumsily or inadequately: He is a fool who bungles consistently.
noun
a bungling performance.
that which has been done clumsily or inadequately.
OTHER WORDS FOR bungle
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
Origin of bungle
First recorded in 1520–30; of uncertain origin
OTHER WORDS FROM bungle
bungler, nounbun·gling·ly, adverbun·bun·gling, adjectiveWords nearby bungle
bungee, bungee cord, bungee jumping, bunger, bunghole, bungle, bunglesome, bungstarter, bungwall, Bunin, bunion
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use bungle in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for bungle
bungle
/ (ˈbʌŋɡəl) /
verb
(tr) to spoil (an operation) through clumsiness, incompetence, etc; botch
noun
a clumsy or unsuccessful performance or piece of work; mistake; botch
Derived forms of bungle
bungler, nounbungling, adjective, nounWord Origin for bungle
C16: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; compare dialect Swedish bangla to work without results
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012