stumbling

Meaning 1: Motion

Walking or moving unsteadily, as if about to fall or trip.

Examples

• He was stumbling through the dark house, trying to find the light switch.
• She was stumbling over her words during the presentation, clearly nervous.

Meaning 2: Speech

Speaking hesitantly or with difficulty.

Examples

• He was stumbling over his words, trying to explain the complex situation.
• Her voice was stumbling as she recounted the traumatic event.

Meaning 3: Performance

Performing or functioning in an unsteady or inconsistent way.

Examples

• The economy is stumbling after a period of rapid growth.
• His performance in the game was stumbling, with many errors.

Pronunciation: /ˈstʌm.bəl.ɪŋ/

How to Use stumbling

stumble over (prepositional phrase)

To trip on something while walking. — "I stumbled over a root in the path."

stumble into (prepositional phrase)

To enter a place or situation by chance or accident. — "She stumbled into a career in acting by accident."

stumble upon (prepositional phrase)

To find something by chance. — "We stumbled upon a hidden cafe during our walk."

stumbling block (collocation)

An obstacle or difficulty that prevents progress. — "His shyness was a stumbling block to making new friends."

Synonyms of stumbling

Words with a similar meaning to stumbling:

• tottering
• lurching
• staggering
• faltering

Antonyms of stumbling

Words with the opposite meaning to stumbling:

• striding
• gliding
• walking