train wreck

noun

variants or less commonly trainwreck

ˈtrān-ˌrek 

plural train wrecks also trainwrecks

1

: a violent and destructive crash involving a train

2

: an utter disaster or mess : a disastrous calamity or source of trouble

Six months later, with Washington facing a political train wreck in Iraq, whom did it call? The United Nations.

—Fareed Zakaria

The train wreck that was Florence Ballard could not be hidden anymore. … Those shows went on without a hitch, but with Ballard progressively drinking harder, disaster awaited them as they trekked from Miami to play several college dates across the South.

—Mark Ballard

… to create what is termed on Capitol Hill a train wreck—a budget crisis so awful that the President would have to seriously negotiate, and yield on taxes.

—Elizabeth Drew

Examples of train wreck in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Gunn was indeed brave, and her performance was indeed a train wreck. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 1 Sep. 2026

Lane Kiffin brings the swagger, bravado and attitude that will either bring great success or a train wreck. — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

To think that we Floridians were almost saddled with this train wreck for governor with your hearty approval. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2026

This particular train wreck, however, sent Knoxville to the hospital with a severe concussion and stitches. — Sezin Devi Koehler, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for train wreck

• aztec
• breakneck
• codec
• exec
• mixtec
• paycheck
• pinchbeck
• recheck
• redneck
• toltec
• beck
• breck

Kids Definition

train wreck

noun

1

: a violent and destructive crash involving a train

2

: an utter disaster or mess