bungler

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bungler" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is clumsy or inept, particularly in performing tasks or activities. Example: "Despite his good intentions, he turned out to be a bungler when it came to fixing the car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But what if he doesn't?In this section Iraq starts to fix itself The end of illusion and the last guerrilla A tragedy in the making Hawk alert Let the fight begin Reprints Related items Hugo Chávez: Master tactician or failing bungler?Jun 12th 2008 Colombia: After SureshotMay 29th 2008Fighting the FARC and seeking a peace deal have never been alternatives.

The Economist

He recently apologised to Maher Arar, a Canadian tortured in Syria after wrongly being identified as a terrorist; and to Chinese-Canadians for the government's punitive Chinese head-tax policy of 1885-1923.In thisectionon Master tactician or failing bungler?

The Economist

As we reported last week, their choices for replacing veteran Senator Tom Harkin are Joni Ernst, a telegenic Republican state senator and Iraq war veteran, and Bruce Braley, a liberal Democratic congressman and something of a bungler.

The Economist

This has caused Ms Fernández's popularity to fall even faster than inflation has risen, from 54% in February to 26% now, according to Poliarquía, a pollster.In this section Master tactician or failing bungler?

The Economist

A leader of the group, John O'Neill, has written a book, "Unfit for Command", which describes Mr Kerry as a bungler in combat.

The Economist

American restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba have added to their sense of desperation.In this section Master tactician or failing bungler?

The Economist

His opponents portray him as a womaniser, a drunkard and a gambler; as in cahoots with drug lords and casino kings; as an inarticulate bungler with a dangerously enlarged liver.

The Economist

Computer files seized by Colombia during a raid on a FARC camp inside Ecuador two months ago appeared to confirm that Venezuela has been helping the guerrillas and that Mr Chávez's call for an upgrading of the FARC's status was part of a strategy he had cooked up with its leaders.In this section Master tactician or failing bungler?

The Economist

His camera often invades a penumbral region in which the blur — for years regarded by professionals as the mark of the bungler — is used as a means of poetic evocation.

The New Yorker

When Aldridge began performing at the more upscale Royal Coburg Theatre, patrons anticipated a replica of Mathews's malapropist bungler.

The New Yorker

For ordinary citizens, these stories only reinforce the pervasive suspicion that China's legal and medical systems are inherently prejudiced — and that the vast divide between the powerful and the weak cannot be bridged by the action of the government, that chronic bungler.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bungler", consider the context and ensure it accurately reflects the level of incompetence or clumsiness you wish to convey. It carries a negative connotation, so use it judiciously.

Common error

While "bungler" is a valid word, it may sound overly informal or harsh in certain formal or professional settings. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "inept person" or "unskilled individual" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The word "bungler" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a person who is clumsy or inept; someone who consistently makes mistakes due to a lack of skill or competence. Ludwig AI indicates that it's widely used and understood.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bungler" is a commonly used noun to describe someone incompetent, particularly in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct term for indicating a lack of skill. While synonyms like "blunderer" or "fumbler" exist, the best choice depends on the context's desired nuance. When writing, avoid using "bungler" in highly formal settings and be mindful of its negative implications. It functions to negatively evaluate and criticize someone’s abilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

incompetent person

Focuses on a general lack of ability or skill.

clumsy individual

Highlights a lack of physical coordination, often leading to mistakes.

inept performer

Emphasizes a lack of skill in a specific performance or task.

ham-fisted worker

Suggests a crude and unskilled approach to manual tasks.

maladroit operator

Indicates a lack of grace or skill in handling a situation or device.

botched effort

Shifts the focus from the person to the failed attempt, implying incompetence.

failure

General term indicating lack of success.

screw-up

Informal and derogatory term for someone who makes mistakes.

mishandler

Highlights incorrect or careless handling of a situation or object.

errormaker

Highlights the act of making mistakes rather than the person's overall ability

FAQs

How can I use "bungler" in a sentence?

You can use "bungler" to describe someone who makes mistakes due to incompetence, such as: "He proved to be a complete "bungler" when he tried to fix the plumbing."

What are some synonyms for "bungler"?

Synonyms for "bungler" include "blunderer", "fumbler", and "botcher". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call someone a "bungler" in a professional setting?

Calling someone a "bungler" can be seen as disrespectful and unprofessional. It is better to use more tactful language when discussing someone's performance.

What's the difference between a "bungler" and an "amateur"?

A "bungler" is someone who is incompetent and makes mistakes, while an "amateur" is someone who is inexperienced or not a professional, but not necessarily incompetent. An amateur's mistakes are more excusable due to their lack of experience, whereas a "bungler"'s are not.