bungle
UK: ˈbʌŋɡl | US: ˈbʌŋɡl
vt. to carry out a task clumsily or incompetently
vi. to act or work ineptly or inefficiently
n. a clumsy or poorly performed action
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First recorded in the 16th century, "bungle" likely originated as an expressive term imitating clumsy movement (possibly influenced by words like "bumble" or Scandinavian "banga" meaning to hammer carelessly). Unlike Latin/Greek-derived words, it belongs to the category of Germanic residue words with compact structure, evolving without separable morphemes in English.
The apprentice bungled the repair job, leaving the machine in worse condition.
Politicians often bungle their responses during press conferences.
Her attempt at baking a cake was a complete bungle.
Don’t let inexperienced staff bungle such an important client meeting.
The team’s bungle in the final minutes cost them the championship.