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Definitions

derail

[dee-rayl] / diˈreɪl /
VERB
run off a track
Synonyms
Antonyms
STRONGEST




Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Doing that, however, could derail the retirement planning of millions of Americans, as it could affect those in or near their Social Security–claiming years.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 29, 2026

Even if the financing becomes unviable, he doubts the timing mismatch between capex and revenue won’t derail the cycle.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 22, 2026

Offord described Reform's slip into third place as "irritating" but said it would not "derail" their objectives.

From BBC ● Oct. 20, 2026

Heavy precipitation can also derail the soil compaction process, where crews lay down the soil in layers and go over each with a construction vehicle known as a roller.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026

Even if it may derail everything he and Mother have worked toward for so long.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson

When Evans derails the conversation again, a new question pops up — an occurrence in this film as natural and frequent as breathing.

From Salon ● Oct. 17, 2026

“I don’t see anything that derails economic or earnings growth,” said Amanda Agati, chief investment officer at PNC’s asset management group.

From Barron's ● Jul. 1, 2026

“Most people think of retirement risk in terms of market crashes,” said Jeff Judge, a certified financial planner in Forest Hill, Md. “Healthcare is the one that actually derails the most plans I’ve seen.”

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 15, 2026

Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow laments not having an opportunity to play in the postseason after another elbow injury derails his season.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 21, 2024

I need to get her out of here before my family derails my life just as it’s getting started.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon

Videos published by Spanish media show derailed train cars that had fallen down an embankment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026

The Drumcree parade dispute began in the mid-1990s and almost derailed the peace process at the time.

From BBC ● Oct. 1, 2026

Billy Bush, the veteran on-air host whose career was derailed by a crude off-camera conversation he had with President Trump in 2005, has signed on as a contributor to Fox News.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026

If some of these satellites get hacked, damaged, derailed, or destroyed, America’s ability to fight a war would be seriously degraded.

From Slate ● Sep. 17, 2026

Sucking in wind and making a sound like a train getting derailed, his eyes positively apoplectic, his chest rioting with pain, Bud Gleason crashed out another mucus-splattering sneeze.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

“It sucks,” he said of the injury derailing him down the stretch.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 23, 2026

But the war is derailing his chances at a major career moment.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026

Midway through this season, though, it looked like things were derailing for Palace.

From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026

According to a Bloomberg report, Iran is mulling pausing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to prevent derailing future negotiations with the U.S.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 15, 2026

This was the only way to keep Cynthia from disrupting and derailing the entire lesson.

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds


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