Botch

Definition

The word "botch" refers to (1) a clumsily or badly done task or piece of work (noun); and (2) to carry out or repair something badly or carelessly; to bungle (verb).

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /bɑːtʃ/
• Respelling: BAHCH

British English

• IPA: /bɒtʃ/
• Respelling: BOTCH

Etymology

First attested in the mid-16th century, of uncertain origin; perhaps related to Low German botsen “to strike clumsily.” Adopted into English both as noun and verb by the early 17th century.

Derivatives

• Botcher (noun)
• Botched (adjective / past participle)
• Botching (noun / present participle)

Synonyms

• Bungle
• Flub
• Mess up
• Fumble

Antonyms

• Execute
• Accomplish
• Perform well
• Perfect

Usage

"Botch" appears in contexts of repairs, tasks, and performances. Examples: "He managed to botch the installation," and "The whole repair job was a botch."

Related Terms

• Bungle: To carry out clumsily or incompetently.
• Mess up: To do something poorly or incorrectly.
• Fumble: To handle clumsily.
• Flub: To mess up a performance or task.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A clumsy or botched piece of work: Refers to a job done badly or carelessly.
  • Example: "The wiring was a total botch; it blew the fuse immediately."

Verb

• To carry out badly or repair clumsily: To bungle a task through carelessness or ineptitude.
  • Example: "She botched the presentation slides at the last minute."