Etymology
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bungling (n.)

"clumsy workmanship," 1660s, verbal noun from bungle (v.).

bungling (adj.)

"prone to bungle, clumsy, awkward," 1580s, present-participle adjective from bungle (v.). Related: Bunglingly.

Entries linking to bungling

bungle (v.)

"to work or act clumsily," 1520s, origin obscure. OED suggests imitative; perhaps a mix of boggle and bumble, or perhaps [Skeat] from a Scandinavian word akin to Swedish bangla "to work ineffectually," Old Swedish bunga "to strike" (related to German Bengel "cudgel," also "rude fellow"). Related: Bungled; bungling.

updated on September 25, 2017

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Dictionary entries near bungling

bungalow

bungee

bung-hole

bungle

bungler

bungling

bunion

bunk

bunker

Bunker Hill

bunkum

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