: unsuccessful because of being poorly done : spoiled by mistakes
a botched attempt
a botched recipe
a botched medical procedure

Examples of botched in a Sentence

a botched attempt to mend relations with our disaffected European allies
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
According to the Post, investigators said the shooting erupted after a botched marijuana robbery. Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025 In May 2024, a botched fuel transfer resulted in over 300 gallons of oil spilling into Silver Bay Marina on Lake Superior, prompting a multi-day cleanup effort. Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025 The Sheriff’s Office said video surveillance and a witness confirmed the sequence of events in the botched robbery. Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Bad snap leads to botched field goal attempt Hurricanes line up for a 28-yard field goal attempt. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for botched

Word History

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of botched was in 1752

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Cite this Entry

“Botched.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/botched. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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