# stumbling

**Pronunciation:** /ˈstʌm.bəl.ɪŋ/ · STUM-bling

**CEFR level:** B1

**Part of speech:** verb

## 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.
- The old man was stumbling along the street, leaning heavily on his cane.

## 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.
- The politician's speech was stumbling, lacking clear direction.

## 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.
- The company's efforts to innovate have been stumbling.

## Synonyms

- tottering — Suggests weakness or age, often with a slight rocking motion.
- lurching — Implies sudden, uncontrolled, and often awkward movements.
- staggering — Suggests moving unsteadily, often due to intoxication, injury, or shock.
- faltering — Often used for speech or performance that is becoming weak or unsteady.

## Antonyms

- striding — Walking with long, decisive steps.
- gliding — Moving smoothly and effortlessly.
- walking — The basic act of moving on foot.

## Common patterns

- stumble over — To trip on something while walking. — I stumbled over a root in the path.
- stumble into — To enter a place or situation by chance or accident. — She stumbled into a career in acting by accident.
- stumble upon — To find something by chance. — We stumbled upon a hidden cafe during our walk.
- stumbling block — An obstacle or difficulty that prevents progress. — His shyness was a stumbling block to making new friends.

## Collocations

- stumbling block — Lack of funding was a major stumbling block for the project.
- stumbling around — He was stumbling around in the dark looking for his keys.

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