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Definition of botch

botch

/bɑːtʃ/
botch
Plural:botches
•
Adjective:botched
•
Past Simple:botched
•
Past Participle:botched
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Present Participle:botching
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botch Lexical Profile

botch Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To carry out a task or piece of work badly, carelessly, or clumsily.

Example

"The contractors botched the roof repair, leaving several leaks over the hallway."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A clumsy, careless, or spoiled piece of work; a bungled task or mess.

Example

"The amateur plumber made a complete botch of the kitchen sink installation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for botch
Antonyms
View all antonyms for botch

• Rhymes for botch

• Nearby Words

botanically
botanist
botany
botch
both
bother
botheration

Word Origin & Etymology

Dating back to the late 14th century, the word originates from the Middle English 'bocchen', meaning to repair or patch up, possibly related to Old French 'boche' (a swelling or boss) or Middle Dutch 'botsen' (to strike or beat). Over time, the sense shifted from making a rough repair to ruining something through clumsy workmanship.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Botch. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/botch
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