washout

American  

[wosh-out, wawsh-] / ˈwɒʃˌaʊt, ˈwɔʃ- /

noun

1. a washing out of earth, gravel, etc., by water, as from an embankment or a roadway by heavy rain or by a flash flood.

2. the hole, break, or erosion produced by such a washing out.

3. Aeronautics. Also wash-out a warp in an airfoil that gives a decrease in the angle of attack toward the tip.

4. rainout.

5. Informal. an utter failure.

6. Informal. a person who has failed a course of training or study.

   air force washouts.

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Etymology

Origin of washout

First recorded in 1870–75; noun use of verb phrase wash out

Example Sentences

Not far away was a washout and the bottom was covered with gravel.

From Literature

Even a washout against Ireland could not dampen their spirits.

From Barron's

The washout gave each side one point, and left Australia unable to catch up.

From Barron's

Both bitcoin and ether have stabilized since Saturday’s sudden washout.

From The Wall Street Journal

That type of action often signals a washout, creating an attractive level to lean against on the long side.

From Barron's

Related Words

• disaster
• fiasco