botched execution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "botched execution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a planned action or process was carried out poorly or failed to achieve its intended outcome. Example: "The botched execution of the new software update led to numerous issues for users."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By Hendrik Hertzberg September 18 , 2009Another botched execution, this one in Ohio.

The New Yorker

This botched execution in April was one of three so far this year that have gone awry.

The Washington Post

The lawyers cited the "horrifically botched" execution in Oklahoma, where Clayton D. Lockett writhed and moaned on the table until prison officials halted the procedure.

The New York Times

After one botched execution, Bustos was obliged to shoot one of the condemned men himself, firing a coup de grâce into his head.

The New Yorker

Wood, who had been convicted of murdering his girlfriend, was executed on July 23, 2014 in a botched execution that took nearly two hours.

Independent

Another botched execution, this one in Ohio.

The New Yorker

Tuesday night, one more botched execution by lethal injection occurred.

The Washington Post

The state cited a failure of the IV in an investigation of the botched execution.

The Guardian

Midazolam was also used in the botched execution of Clayton Lockett by Oklahoma in April.

The Guardian

The court filing describes the accounts of other witnesses during the botched execution.

The Guardian

He was distressed by the botched execution of Lockett in Oklahoma.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "botched execution", ensure the context clearly indicates a failure in the process of carrying out a death penalty, rather than a general mistake.

Common error

Avoid using "botched execution" to describe general errors or failures outside the specific context of capital punishment; use more general terms like "failed attempt" or "mishandled process" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "botched execution" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "botched" acts as an adjective modifying "execution". Ludwig examples show its use in describing specific instances of problematic capital punishment procedures. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "botched execution" accurately describes a failed or seriously flawed attempt to carry out a death penalty. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, where it serves to report on and often critique the complications arising from capital punishment procedures. While alternatives like "failed execution" and "bungled execution" exist, the original phrase remains a standard term for highlighting the issues within the death penalty process. Ensure its usage aligns with the specific context of capital punishment to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

failed execution

Emphasizes the lack of success in completing the execution.

bungled execution

Highlights the incompetence and clumsiness in the execution process.

flawed execution

Focuses on the presence of defects or imperfections in the execution.

mishandled execution

Indicates poor management and improper handling of the execution procedure.

ill-fated execution

Highlights the unfortunate and disastrous nature of the execution.

poorly executed death penalty

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the deficient manner in which the death penalty was carried out.

incompetently performed execution

Stresses the lack of skill and expertise in carrying out the execution.

faulty execution

Highlights the presence of errors or defects that led to the failure of the execution.

abortive execution

Suggests an execution that failed to reach completion or produce the intended result.

seriously flawed execution

Emphasizes the significant and severe imperfections in the execution process.

FAQs

What does "botched execution" mean?

A "botched execution" refers to a situation where the process of carrying out a death penalty is severely mishandled, resulting in complications, prolonged suffering, or failure to complete the execution as intended.

What are some alternatives to "botched execution"?

You can use alternatives like "failed execution", "bungled execution", or "flawed execution" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "botched execution" in formal writing?

Yes, "botched execution" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in news reports, legal documents, and academic papers that discuss capital punishment. However, ensure the tone remains objective and factual.

How does a "botched execution" impact the debate around the death penalty?

A "botched execution" often intensifies the debate around the death penalty, raising questions about the humanity and reliability of the process. It can lead to calls for moratoriums, legal challenges, and re-examination of execution protocols.