debacle

American  

[dey-, -bak-uhl, duh-, dee-bah-kuhl] / deɪ-, -ˈbæk əl, də-, diˈbɑ kəl /

noun

1. a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall or rout.

   The revolution ended in a debacle.

2. a complete collapse or failure.

   Synonyms:

   calamity, catastrophe, fiasco, ruin, disaster

3. a breaking up of ice in a river.

4. a violent rush of waters or ice.

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debacle British  

/ deɪˈbɑːkəl, dɪ- /

noun

1. a sudden disastrous collapse or defeat, esp one involving a disorderly retreat; rout

2. the breaking up of ice in a river during spring or summer, often causing flooding

3. a violent rush of water carrying along debris

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Etymology

Origin of debacle

1795–1805; < French débâcle, derivative of débâcler to unbar, clear, equivalent to dé- dis- ¹ + bâcler to bar ≪ Latin baculum stick, rod

Example Sentences

It was followed by the debacle at Dundee United, which meant Nancy - MLS Coach of the Year in 2024 - has won just three of his past 16 games as a manager after struggles at Columbus.

From BBC

The debacle has also drawn attention in Japan, South Korea and China, among other East Asian countries.

From BBC

Spy agencies saw profound implications in the recent debacles, far beyond public humiliation.

From The Wall Street Journal

And he thinks independence from the U.K., which the ruling Nationalists are determined to achieve, would be a debacle.

From The Wall Street Journal

Still, there is the unfinished business of getting over the Darién debacle and regaining Scotland’s financial pride.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• beating
• breakdown
• collapse
• crash
• defeat
• devastation
• disaster
• downfall
• drubbing
• failure
• fiasco
• reversal
• rout
• wreck