What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
botch
Example
He botched the repair job and made the problem worse. [botched: past tense]
Example
The chef managed to botch the recipe by using the wrong ingredients. [botch: verb]
bungle
Example
She bungled the presentation by forgetting her lines. [bungled: past tense]
Example
The team's bungling of the project led to its failure. [bungling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Botch is more commonly used than bungle in everyday language. Botch is versatile and can be used in various contexts to describe a failed or poorly executed task. Bungle, while less common, still conveys a similar meaning but may be used in slightly different contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between botch and bungle?
Both botch and bungle are informal words and are typically used in casual conversations or informal writing. They are not commonly used in formal or professional settings.