noun
Uncommon
debacle
day-BAH-kuhl
Debacle (noun) means a sudden, humiliating failure or collapse. Example: “The product launch turned into a total debacle when the app crashed on stage.”
noun
1
A sudden, humiliating failure or collapse.
"The product launch turned into a total debacle when the app crashed on stage."
"Losing the final by ten goals was a debacle nobody saw coming."
How to use debacle
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA disaster, especially one that is embarrassing as well as damaging.
Common mistake
Keep the accent-free English spelling "debacle" — the French débâcle accents are dropped in everyday English use.
Common pairings
a complete debacle
end in debacle
a public debacle
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Word forms
- Plural
- debacles
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The product launch turned into a total _____ when the app crashed on stage.
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.
Related words
Rhymes for debacle
See all rhymes for 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.
