washout

[wosh-out, wawsh-]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of washout¹

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

Example Sentences

Seven-time champions Australia come into the match with six wins in their seven league games, the other being a washout.

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They were 78-5 and 78-7 against Bangladesh and Pakistan respectively, the tournament's bottom two teams, with an edgy win and a washout papering over concerning cracks.

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Seven-time champions Australia won six of their seven league matches to underline why they are the team to beat in the 50-over tournament, the other game being a washout.

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Broad took his 600th Test wicket at Old Trafford but the washout, which ended the chance of winning the urn, was "the worst feeling in sport".

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A lengthy downpour 12 overs into the match had looked set to result in a fourth washout at R Premadasa Stadium but the rain stopped just in time for a 20-over contest to take place.

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Related Words

• disaster 
• fiasco