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A sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco.
synonyms:disastercollapse
The word 'debacle' comes from the French term 'débâcle', which originally referred to the breaking up of ice in a river, leading to a flood. It has evolved to mean a complete breakdown or failure.
This term is often used in everyday conversation and in various contexts when describing situations that have not gone as planned, such as business failures or public disasters.
While not used daily by everyone, 'debacle' is common in discussions about politics, business, and social events, making it familiar to many.
The company faced a debacle when their new product launch failed spectacularly.
After the debacle of the last election, the political party vowed to rebuild its image.
The festival turned into a debacle when the main act canceled at the last minute.
The term 'debacle' has an interesting backstory, originating from the French word for the breaking up of ice. Over time, it has come to signify any situation that ends in utter failure. Whether you're discussing a failed project at work or a disastrous event, 'debacle' adds a flair of drama to your description. Its vivid sound and imagery make it a favorite among writers looking to capture the essence of failure in a more colorful way.