debacle

dey-BAH-kuhl, noun

A sudden, embarrassing failure.

“The launch debacle became a case study in three textbooks.”

Where debacle comes from

French, for the moment a frozen river breaks up and carries everything off.

Difficulty: intermediate. One of 440 entries written and checked by hand.

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fickle Changing loyalties, interests, or affection often.
bleak Offering little hope or comfort; cold and bare.
candid Honest and direct, even when the truth is uncomfortable.
meticulous Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
pragmatic Dealing with things in a practical way rather than by theory or ideals.
tenacious Holding firmly to a goal or position; persistent and not easily discouraged.
ambivalent Having mixed or contradictory feelings about something.
benevolent Kind and generous, wishing to do good for others.