train wreck n. a disaster or failure, especially one that is unstoppable or unavoidable; a disorganized, problematic, or chaotic person or thing; an incongruous situation. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Diamond dust, tapioca snow, and sugar icebergs — a 1955 glossary of arctic and subarctic terms describes the environment in ways that sound poetic. And a mom says her son is dating someone who’s non-binary. She supports their relationship, but...
A documentary film called My Beautiful Stutter follows youngsters at a summer camp specifically for stutterers. It’s a place for finding acceptance, support, and confidence for navigating the larger world. And:, “The High Priestess of...
To “a disaster or failure” I would add, “especially one that, though foreseen, is difficult or impossible to avert.”
The second definition, above, relating to a person, was used in a recent episode of Mad Men. I was curious if this usage was around in the early 60s. I don’t recall the first time I heard it, but it seems more recent. Anyone know?