bungle
verb (used with object)
to do clumsily and awkwardly; botch.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The diplomat, John Barrett, told a Colombian reporter that Washington had “a great deal of confidence…in the local authorities,” vouching for the Rodríguez government even as many Venezuelans accused it of bungling the response.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
The Lions completed a historic comeback, with a little help from a bungling David Campese.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2025
Funneled into the framework of a prom slasher, the bungling of "Fear Street: Prom Queen" feels downright pernicious.
From Salon ● May 24, 2025
She also faced accusations of bungling the city’s finances, contributing to a dire budget shortfall this fiscal year that will almost certainly require sweeping cuts across government departments.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 16, 2025
Somewhere in the woods, there’s a cacophony of yips—the runts most likely bungling the squirrel hunt.
From "Wayward Creatures" by Dayna Lorentz
