YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

derail

Verb

IPA /diːˈreɪl/

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Meaning in plain English

To disrupt a plan or process so that it cannot continue as intended.

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Pronunciation

derail/diːˈreɪl/

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A plan is progressing
An unexpected problem interrupts it
The plan cannot continue as intended

A problem can derail a plan by preventing its intended progress.

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A sudden plumbing problem derailed our plans for the weekend.
The missing data threatened to derail the research project.

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The missing data threatened to ________ the research project.

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derail — To disrupt a plan or process so that it cannot continue as intended.

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To disrupt a plan or process so that it cannot continue as intended.

Compare: A sudden plumbing problem derailed our plans for the weekend.

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Word origin

From French derailler, combining a prefix expressing removal with rail.

Did you know?

Derail plans, derail a project and derail discussions describe interruptions to progress.

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