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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:

"You don't want to mess up," Sending says, adding that the wrong gift could potentially derail any larger objectives.

From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026

While concerns over AI safety are not likely to derail Anthropic’s IPO plans, experts expect more regulation and safety disclosures.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 11, 2026

As global bond yields rise alarmingly, investors are becoming understandably concerned about whether it will derail seemingly unstoppable artificial-intelligence trade.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026

He also warned that a return by the United States to "a policy of pressure and threats could derail the path of diplomacy".

From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026

The freight trains are longer and seem to glide more smoothly, roll more rapidly, and derail less frequently.

From "Enrique's Journey" by Sonia Nazario

“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

Their closeness derails Rausch’s “three steps ahead” scheming.

From Salon ● Jan. 28, 2026

In the new book, Roy Grace travels from East Sussex to London in the royal train, which derails, and Camilla helps passengers onboard.

From BBC ● Oct. 11, 2025

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

She added: "It would appear that by doing so I just derailed whatever they were planning."

From BBC ● Sep. 27, 2026

The intentional burning of vinyl chloride in derailed tanker cars sent a cloud over the town of 4,500 people.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 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

These stories spread the false claim that Slave Power agents had derailed the President’s train and killed his son, Bennie.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Pezeshkian also warned Tuesday that a return by the United States to "a policy of pressure and threats" risked derailing diplomatic efforts to end the war.

From Barron's ● Sep. 1, 2026

Stricter post-Surfside lender requirements are already derailing condo sales as certain buyers struggle to secure loans, according to Scott Weiss, a Nashville, Tenn., condo-association lawyer.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 9, 2026

At one point early on, high levels of soil contaminants become a concern at fields across the region, almost derailing the whole season.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 13, 2026

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

From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026

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

From "Look Both Ways" by Jason Reynolds




Vocabulary lists containing derail


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