derailed; derailing; derails
1
: to cause to run off the rails
2
a
: to obstruct the progress of : frustrate
security problems derailed the tour
b
: to upset the stability or composure of
divorce … can seriously derail an employee—
Joanne Gordon
Joanne Gordon
: to leave the rails
Examples of derail in a Sentence
The train derailed in heavy snow.
The train was derailed by heavy snow.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lack of alignment on cultural elements—like corporate values, vision for the future, the attitudes and behaviors that drive outcomes—can derail even the most promising acquisition.
—Steve Swinney, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Pham’s dad did eventually support his son’s hopes — which were almost derailed again by a bureaucratic error.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
In the series, Bartlett plays the role of Brian, a former children’s show host whose career has been derailed by a public scandal.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 May 2025
In 2023 the Jayhawks landed center Hunter Dickinson, at that point the most accomplished player to ever hit college basketball’s transfer portal, over a group of heavy hitters that included Kentucky, but injuries and shooting struggles derailed that season.
—Cj Moore, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for derail
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Steve Swinney, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Pham’s dad did eventually support his son’s hopes — which were almost derailed again by a bureaucratic error.
—Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 May 2025
In the series, Bartlett plays the role of Brian, a former children’s show host whose career has been derailed by a public scandal.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 May 2025
In 2023 the Jayhawks landed center Hunter Dickinson, at that point the most accomplished player to ever hit college basketball’s transfer portal, over a group of heavy hitters that included Kentucky, but injuries and shooting struggles derailed that season.
—Cj Moore, New York Times, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for derail
Cite this Entry
“Derail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derail. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
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