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Added 10 October 2026

botch

/bɒt͡ʃ/ verb

verb Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about botch at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

To perform (a task) in an incompetent or unacceptable manner; to make a mess of something.
A botched haircut seems to take forever to grow out.
To do (something) without care or skill, or clumsily.
(Can we add an example for this sense?)
To mend or repair (something) clumsily.

noun

An action, job, or task that has been performed very badly; a ruined, defective, or clumsy piece of work.
A patch put on, or a part of a garment patched or mended in a clumsy manner.
A mistake that is very stupid or embarrassing.
(Can we add an example for this sense?)

noun

A tumour or other malignant swelling.
A case or outbreak of boils or sores.

Origin

From Middle English bocchen (“to mend”), of uncertain origin. Possibly from Old English bōtettan (“to improve; cure; remedy; repair”), related to boot, or from Middle Dutch botsen, butsen, boetsen (“to repair; patch”), related to beat. Doublet of bodge.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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