Search Dictionary
Definition of bungle

bungle

/ˈbʌŋ.ɡəl/
bun · gle
Adverb:bunglingly
•
Plural:bungles
•
Adjective:bungling
•
Past Simple:bungled
•
Past Participle:bungled
•
Present Participle:bungling
JUMP TO:

bungle Lexical Profile

bungle Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To carry out a task clumsily or incompetently, resulting in failure or a spoiled outcome.

Example

"The contractor managed to bungle the kitchen renovation by ordering the wrong measurements."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for bungle
Antonyms
View all antonyms for bungle

• noun

1

A clumsy, incompetent, or badly managed mistake or performance.

Example

"The scheduling conflict was the result of an administrative bungle at the regional office."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for bungle
Antonyms
View all antonyms for bungle

• Rhymes for bungle

• Nearby Words

bungalow
bungee
bunghole
bungle
bungler
bungling
bunion

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the early 16th century, likely of Scandinavian origin and related to Swedish 'bunga' (to strike) or Old Norse 'banga' (to hammer or pound clumsily).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bungle. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bungle
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.