Definition

Describing someone who is clumsy or makes mistakes due to a lack of skill or competence.

Example

His bungling attempts to fix the car only made the problem worse.

Conversation

Did you see how they handled the project?

Yeah, it was pretty bungling all around.

I can't believe they missed so many details.

Right? It made everything take twice as long!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

An act or acts that show a lack of skill or ability, often resulting in mistakes or failures.

Example

His bungling of the project led to many delays and problems.

Conversation

Did you see how they handled that project?

Yeah, their bungling really cost us time.

I can't believe they didn't check their work first.

Definition

To carry out a task clumsily or ineptly, often resulting in mistakes or failures.

Example

He was bungling the project, causing delays and frustration among the team.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I can't believe I kept bungling my presentation today.

It happens to everyone; don't be too hard on yourself.

I just wish I could get it right without bungling the main points.

Root Explanation

Bungling → It is formed from "bungle" (of uncertain origin, possibly from the dialectal English 'bung' meaning to work clumsily) and the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process of). The word "bungling" refers to the act of doing something clumsily or ineptly.

Memory Tip

Think of someone working 'clumsily' — that's what bungling means, as it describes the action of doing something in a careless or awkward manner.

Visually Confused Words