debacle
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “debacle” mean?
noun.a sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco.
SAT Usage
this term often appears in contexts involving politics, business, or personal endeavors, highlighting situations that result in significant setbacks or disasters. It emphasizes not just failure, but a dramatic and public collapse, distinguishing it from less severe terms like "setback" or "failure," which do not carry the same connotation of embarrassment or widespread impact.
Common Confusions
Debacle implies a sudden and public failure with significant embarrassment, while fiasco usually suggests a chaotic event or situation that may not necessarily carry the same level of public disgrace.
Do not choose debacle if the context emphasizes success or achievement rather than a sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco.
Example Sentences
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The failed product launch was a complete public debacle.