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.
Bernthal, who plays Sonny, has his own wayward machismo and hapless sensitivity, the very qualities that made Al Pacino unforgettable in the role of the bungling bandit with a Catholic conscience.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 29, 2026
The biggest problem was Mr. Carney’s bungling of Havel’s work.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 30, 2026
His true, bungling nature—something that’ll likely be on display as a gubernatorial candidate—shines through in the smaller moments.
From Slate ● Dec. 11, 2025
The Lions completed a historic comeback, with a little help from a bungling David Campese.
From BBC ● Jun. 22, 2025
In a way this was Finny’s view, except that naturally he saw it comically, as a huge and intensely practical joke, played by fat and foolish old men bungling away behind the scenes.
From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles
