Debacle

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/dɪˈbɑːk(ə)l/, /deɪˈbɑːk(ə)l/

Definitions

1. A sudden and complete failure; a total collapse or disaster.
2. A sudden breakdown, defeat, or downfall.
3. A violent disruption, often referring to natural events like the breaking up of ice in a river.

Usage Examples

• "The project turned into a complete debacle due to poor planning."
• "The team's loss in the finals was a shocking debacle."
• "The melting of the glacier led to a catastrophic debacle, flooding nearby villages."

Etymology

From French "débâcle" (meaning "breaking up of ice on a river, disaster"), derived from "débâcler" (to unbar, to free), from "dé-" (un-) + "bâcler" (to bar, to block).

Synonyms

• Catastrophe
• Fiasco
• Disaster
• Collapse
• Ruin

Antonyms

• Success
• Triumph
• Achievement

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /dɪˈbɑːk(ə)l/
• American English: /deɪˈbɑːk(ə)l/

Historical Usage

The word "debacle" was originally used in the early 19th century in French to describe the breaking up of river ice and later extended metaphorically to mean a disaster or total failure.

Cultural Nuances

In English, "debacle" is often used in political, sports, and business contexts to describe unexpected and severe failures. In French, it retains its original sense related to natural disasters as well.

More Information

The term "debacle" has been widely used in historical contexts, such as referring to military defeats or economic crashes. The word's dramatic connotation makes it a popular choice in journalism and media headlines.