bungle

Etymology

The origin of the verb is uncertain; it is either: * onomatopoeic in origin (compare bumble (“to act in an inept, clumsy or inexpert manner; to make mistakes”), fumble (“to grope awkwardly in trying to find something; to blunder uncertainly”)); or * from Old Norse; compare Old Swedish bunga (“to strike”), and dialectal Swedish bangla (“to work ineffectually”). The noun is derived from the verb. cognates * German Bengel (“cudgel; rude fellow”) * Middle High German bungen (“to hammer”)

verb

1. (transitive) To incompetently perform (a task); to ruin (something) through incompetent action; to botch up, to bumble.
   I always had an idea that it would be bungled; but was willing to hope, and am still so. Whatever I can do by money, means, or person, I will venture freely for their freedom; and have so repeated to them (some of the Chiefs here) half an hour ago. 24 February 1821, Lord Byron, “Extracts from a Diary of Lord Byron, 1821”, in Letters and Journals of Lord Byron:[…], Frankfurt am Main: […] H. L. Brönner, published 1830, →OCLC, page 468, column 1
2. (intransitive) To act or work incompetently; to fumble.

noun

1. A botched or incompetently handled action or situation; a blunder.
   The Soudan bungle was born partly of sentimental loyalty and partly of the aforementioned jealousy existing between the colonies, and now at a time when the colonies should club closer together our Government is doing all they can to widen the breach by trying to pass a bill enabling New South Wales to monopolise the name "Australia". 1888, Henry Lawson, United Division (essay)