Basic Details
Word: Debacle
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A sudden and complete failure or a disaster.
Synonyms: Catastrophe, fiasco, disaster
Antonyms: Success, triumph, achievement
Idioms and Phrases
- Reviews hit a debacle: Refers to feedback that has gone very poorly. Example: "The movie reviews hit a debacle, with critics calling it a complete failure."
- A perfect debacle: Used when something turns out to be a total mess or failure. Example: "The event turned into a perfect debacle when the venue was overbooked."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The company's new product launch was a complete debacle, with many customers complaining about its quality.
Example 2: The football team's failure to score any goals in the match led to a debacle among the fans.
Example 3: After the debacle of the party, they promised to plan better next time.
Fun Fact
The word "debacle" comes from the French word "dbcle," which originally referred to the sudden breaking up of ice in a river, leading to a flood or disaster. The notion of sudden failure or collapse has persisted in its usage today.
Famous Quote
"All human actions have one or more of these three causes: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. The first leads to debacle; the second, to loss; and the third, to contempt." John Owen
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "debacle" mean?
a) A sudden success
b) A minor issue
c) A complete failure
d) A useful tool
Answer: c) A complete failure
2. Which of these is a synonym of "debacle"?
a) Triumph
b) Catastrophe
c) Achievement
d) Victory
Answer: b) Catastrophe
3. Which sentence uses "debacle" correctly?
a) The film was a beautiful debacle and won many awards.
b) The picnic turned into a debacle when it started to rain.
c) The debacle was so sweet that everyone loved it.
d) The debacle won the game with a last-minute goal.
Answer: b) The picnic turned into a debacle when it started to rain.
4. Which idiom means the same as "debacle"?
a) A perfect debacle
b) Hit a home run
c) On top of the world
d) The best of both worlds
Answer: a) A perfect debacle
5. What is the opposite of "debacle"?
a) Disaster
b) Triumph
c) Fiasco
d) Catastrophe
Answer: b) Triumph
