English

Alternative forms

• basketcase

Noun

basket case ‎(plural basket cases)

1. (idiomatic, slang, potentially offensive) One made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic, stress or exhaustion.

   She was a complete basket case the morning of her wedding.

2. (idiomatic) An institution or country in a bad condition or difficult situation (economically, financially or otherwise)

   This country is a financial basket case, a country so broke that it should be a perfect warning to lenders.

   Some countries are breadbaskets, others basket cases.

Synonyms

• (one made powerless or ineffective, as by nerves, panic or stress): emotional cripple

Translations