botched
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /bɑtʃt/
KK: /bɑtʃt/
adjective
Definition
Made or done in a careless or incompetent way, resulting in poor quality or failure.
Example
The repairs were botched, leaving the house in worse condition than before.
Conversation
Did you see the way they fixed that fence?
Yeah, it looked pretty botched to me.
I can't believe they thought it was good enough to leave like that!
Right? Someone really should have done a better job.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
clumsy
inept
bungled
Antonyms
skillful
competent
successful
verb
Definition
To do something badly or in a careless way, resulting in a failure or mistake.
Example
He botched the job by not following the instructions properly.
Tense Forms
Past: botched
Past Participle: botched
Conversation
Did you hear about the project they botched last week?
Yeah, I saw that! It was all over the news.
I can't believe they botched something so important.
Root Explanation
Botched originates from the Middle English 'bocchen', meaning to make a mess of something or to spoil. It reflects the idea of doing something poorly or ineffectively, leading to a failed outcome.
Memory Tip
Think of the Middle English word 'bocchen' which means to make a mess — that's why botched means something that has been done poorly.
Visually Confused Words
blotched
notched
boche
crotched
bolthead
boathead