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debacle

Noun

IPA /dɪˈbɑːkl/

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Meaning in plain English

A situation that ends in a complete, embarrassing failure, often because plans go badly wrong or people make serious mistakes.

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Pronunciation

debacle/dɪˈbɑːkl/

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A product launch is carefully announced
The product fails during the demonstration
The event ends in embarrassing failure

A debacle is a complete and embarrassing failure, such as a disastrous launch.

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Our picnic became a debacle when the food disappeared and the tent collapsed.
The failed product launch was a debacle for the company.

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Our picnic became a ________ when the food disappeared and the tent collapsed.

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debacle — A situation that ends in a complete, embarrassing failure, often because plans go badly wrong or people make serious mistakes.

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A situation that ends in a complete, embarrassing failure, often because plans go badly wrong or people make serious mistakes.

Compare: Our picnic became a debacle when the food disappeared and the tent collapsed.

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Word origin

From French debacle, related to debacler, meaning unleash or remove a barrier.

Did you know?

Debacle describes the failed event or situation, rather than the person responsible for it.

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