debacle
7 synonyms for debacle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sudden, humiliating failure or collapse.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use debacle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a complete debacle
end in debacle
a public debacle
Etymology
From French débâcle ("a breaking up" or "unleashing"), from débâcler, "to unbar" — originally used for ice breaking up on a river and the flood that followed.
Full origin of debacle →Frequently asked questions
What does “debacle” mean?
The word “debacle” means a sudden, humiliating failure or collapse. In plain terms, a disaster, especially one that is embarrassing as well as damaging.
How do you pronounce “debacle”?
“Debacle” is pronounced day-BAH-kuhl (/dɪˈbɑ.kəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “debacle” in a sentence?
Here is “debacle” used in a sentence: “The product launch turned into a total debacle when the app crashed on stage.”
What part of speech is “debacle”?
“Debacle” is a noun.
Where does the word “debacle” come from?
The word “debacle” comes from French. From French débâcle ("a breaking up" or "unleashing"), from débâcler, "to unbar" — originally used for ice breaking up on a river and the flood that followed.
Is “debacle” a common word?
“Debacle” is an uncommon word in modern English.
