Debacle
mediumdih-BAH-kul
noun
Definition
A sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco
Examples
“The product launch turned into a complete debacle.”
“The military debacle cost thousands of lives.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Debacle is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "fiasco" or "catastrophe" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "success".
Related GRE Words
catastrophic
Involving or causing sudden great damage or suffering
founder
(verb) To fail utterly; to sink (of a ship); to stumble
calamitous
Involving or causing a calamity; disastrous
ephemeral
Lasting for a very short time; transitory
abate
To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity
benevolent
Well-meaning and kindly; generous and charitable
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