botch
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /bɒtʃ/
KK: /bɑtʃ/
noun
Definition
A poor or clumsy piece of work that is often ruined or defective.
Example
The repair was such a botch that it made the problem worse.
Conversation
I really messed up the presentation today.
What happened? Did you make a botch of it?
Yeah, I forgot half of my points and it was so embarrassing.
Don't worry too much; everyone has those days.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
mess
blunder
fumble
Antonyms
perfection
success
masterpiece
transitive verb
Definition
To do something badly or carelessly, often resulting in mistakes or problems.
Example
He botched the job by forgetting important details.
Tense Forms
Past: botched
Past Participle: botched
Conversation
Did you hear about the project that got botched last week?
Yeah, I can't believe they missed the deadline.
It's such a shame, they really botched the presentation too.
Root Explanation
Botch originates from Middle English 'bocchen', meaning to make a mess or to spoil. The word reflects the act of doing something poorly or clumsily, often resulting in a botched job or task.
Memory Tip
Think of making a 'mess' when you 'botch' something — it helps you remember that botch means to do something poorly.
Visually Confused Words
blotch
both
upbotch
bortsch
blotchy
bebotch
rotch
potch