washout

[ wosh-out, wawsh- ]

noun

1. a washing out of earth, gravel, etc., by water, as from an embankment or a roadway by heavy rain or by a flash flood.
2. the hole, break, or erosion produced by such a washing out.
3. Also wash-out. Aeronautics. a warp in an airfoil that gives a decrease in the angle of attack toward the tip. Compare washin.
4. rainout.
5. Informal. an utter failure.
6. Informal. a person who has failed a course of training or study:

   air force washouts.

Word History and Origins

Origin of washout¹

First recorded in 1870–75; noun use of verb phrase wash out

Example Sentences

Following a washout period, they were asked to make diagnoses again, this time using the model's output as a reference.

From Science Daily

Areas across the UK that have experienced a July washout so far are now set to turn a lot drier and warmer, albeit briefly.

From BBC

Areas that have experienced a July washout so far are now set to turn a lot drier and warmer, albeit briefly.

From BBC

Despite the improving shopper sentiment, the washout spring dampened spending — particularly for products associated with warm weather.

From BBC

Jos Buttler's side struggled through the initial group stage last week - only edging through after a washout against Scotland and defeat by Australia.

From BBC

Related Words

• disaster
• fiasco