bungle

verb

bun·​gle ˈbəŋ-gəl How to pronounce bungle (audio)
bungled; bungling ˈbəŋ-g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce bungle (audio)
Synonyms of bunglenext

intransitive verb

: to act or work clumsily and awkwardly
bungled badly in the campaign

transitive verb

: mishandle, botch
bungle a job
bungled the investigation
bungle noun
bungler noun

Examples of bungle in a Sentence

The government bungled badly in planning the campaign. bungled the job the first time she tried to do it
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.
Isak’s actions were disrespectfully militant, but Newcastle damagingly bungled the situation. Chris Waugh, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026 The accusation is that the administration bungled by not believing that Iran would follow through on its threats. Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026 And Kash Patel's FBI seems to be bungling the investigation at every step. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026 Neither side can afford to bungle the opportunity. Sports Columnist, San Francisco Chronicle, 12 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bungle

Word History

Etymology

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Icelandic banga to hammer

First Known Use

1530, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of bungle was in 1530

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bungle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bungle. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

bungle

verb
bun·​gle ˈbəŋ-gəl How to pronounce bungle (audio)
bungled; bungling -g(ə-)liŋ How to pronounce bungle (audio)
: to act, do, make, or work badly
bungle a job
bungle noun
bungler noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bungle

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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