to do something badly or without skill, to fail to do something properly, often because of clumsiness or incompetence

bungling fool, make a bungle of something, one's first bungle

Formal and Informal Expressions of bungle

In different contexts, you can replace 'bungle' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'mishandle, mismanage' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'mess up, screw up' is a commonplace synonym.

bungle: Explore its Definition & Usage

bungle Definition

1to do something badly or without skill
2to fail to do something properly, often because of clumsiness or incompetence

Using bungle: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bungle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
He bungled the job and was fired.
Example
The team bungled a chance to score.
Example
The police bungled the investigation.
Example
She bungled her lines during the play.

bungle Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for bungle

Antonyms for bungle

Phrases with bungle

bungling fool
a person who is clumsy or incompetent
Example
He's such a bungling fool that he can't even make a sandwich without making a mess.
make a bungle of something
to do something badly or incompetently
Example
I made a complete bungle of the presentation and embarrassed myself in front of my boss.
one's first bungle
the first time someone makes a mistake or fails at something
Example
Don't worry about it. Everyone makes their first bungle at some point.

Origins of bungle

from Middle English 'boungen', meaning 'to beat' or 'to strike'

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Summary: bungle in Brief

To 'bungle' [ˈbʌŋɡl] means to do something badly or without skill, often due to clumsiness or incompetence. It can refer to failing to do something properly, as in 'The team bungled a chance to score,' or making mistakes, as in 'She bungled her lines during the play.' 'Bungle' has synonyms like 'botch' and 'mishandle,' and informal equivalents like 'mess up' and 'screw up.'