botch
A botch refers to a piece of work that has been performed poorly, clumsily, or carelessly, resulting in a failed or messy outcome. It often describes a task that was attempted without the necessary skill or attention to detail, leading to a ruined result.
Examples
3 of 5I tried to paint the bedroom myself, but it ended up being a complete botch with streaks everywhere.
I tried to paint the bedroom myself, but it ended up being a complete botch with streaks everywhere.
The administrative handling of the merger was a total botch, resulting in several legal complications.
The administrative handling of the merger was a total botch, resulting in several legal complications.
Man, what a botch; you were supposed to bring the tickets, not leave them on the table!
Man, what a botch; you were supposed to bring the tickets, not leave them on the table!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Bot' (robot) trying to make a 'Watch' but smashing the gears instead. That is a 'Bot-ch'.
Quick Quiz
The contractor made such a _____ of the plumbing that the basement flooded the next day.
Correct!
The correct answer is: botch
Examples
I tried to paint the bedroom myself, but it ended up being a complete botch with streaks everywhere.
everydayI tried to paint the bedroom myself, but it ended up being a complete botch with streaks everywhere.
The administrative handling of the merger was a total botch, resulting in several legal complications.
formalThe administrative handling of the merger was a total botch, resulting in several legal complications.
Man, what a botch; you were supposed to bring the tickets, not leave them on the table!
informalMan, what a botch; you were supposed to bring the tickets, not leave them on the table!
The researchers admitted the initial data collection was a botch due to faulty sensor calibration.
academicThe researchers admitted the initial data collection was a botch due to faulty sensor calibration.
The product launch was a botch from the start because the marketing team missed the primary deadline.
businessThe product launch was a botch from the start because the marketing team missed the primary deadline.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
make a botch of things
to ruin a situation or task
a botch-up
a situation where something has been done badly
botched attempt
a failed or poorly executed try
Often Confused With
A 'batch' is a group of things produced at once, while a 'botch' is a poorly done piece of work.
While similar, 'bungle' is more frequently used as a verb for the act of failing, whereas 'botch' frequently refers to the ruined physical result.
Usage Notes
The word 'botch' is most commonly used in the phrase 'to make a botch of something.' It carries a strong connotation of clumsiness and lack of skill.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse it with 'batch' due to the similar vowel sound. It is also important to remember that it describes the result of the error, not just the error itself.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'Bot' (robot) trying to make a 'Watch' but smashing the gears instead. That is a 'Bot-ch'.
Word Origin
Originates from Middle English 'bocchen', meaning 'to patch' or 'to repair', which later evolved to mean a clumsy or poor repair job.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In British and American DIY culture, a 'botch job' is a common term for a home repair that looks unprofessional or is barely functional.
Quick Quiz
The contractor made such a _____ of the plumbing that the basement flooded the next day.
Correct!
The correct answer is: botch
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