washout

Erosion of a relatively soft surface, such as a roadbed, by a sudden gush of water, as from a downpour or floods.

A channel produced by such erosion.

An event or action that fails, is canceled, or ends prematurely, often because of rainy weather.

One who fails to measure up to a standard, especially one who fails a course of training or study.

In geology, a channel, eroded in one stratum and subsequently filled with material of a different character, such as the channels of shale which meander through coal-seams, cutting out the coal.

The excavation, by erosive action of water, of a part of a road-bed, the bank of a stream, a hillside, or the like; also, the hole or break resulting from such excavation.

The washing out or away of earth, etc., especially of a portion of the bed of a road or railroad by a fall of rain or a freshet; also, a place, especially in the bed of a road or railroad, where the earth has been washed away.

a complete failure; — of an enterprise.