bungling I. adjective Etymology: from present participle of bungle (I) : unskillful, awkward, clumsy < a bungling workman > < bungling diplomacy — Stuart Portner > • bun·gling·lyadverb II. noun (-s) Etymology: from gerund of bungle (I) : unskillful or clumsy handling, acting, or performing : mishandling < a piece of bungling due to hot heads — H.J.Laski >