basket case (basketcases)

• 1.  

  N-COUNT（可数名词） If someone describes a country or organization as a basket case, they mean that its economy or finances are in a seriously bad state. (国家或机构的)经济状况极差 [非正式]

  例：

  The country is an economic basket case with chronic unemployment and rampant crime.

  这个国家处于非常糟糕的经济状态，到处都是长期失业的人和猖獗的犯罪行为。

• 2.  

  N-COUNT（可数名词） If you describe someone as a basket case, you think that they are very nervous or unable to function. 非常紧张或者失态的人 [非正式]

  例：

  You're going to think I'm a basket case when I tell you this.

  当我告诉你这些的时候，你肯定会认为我失态了。