Definition
Fumble refers to the act of mishandling or dropping something due to lack of coordination, dexterity, or focus. It commonly implies making a clumsy or unsteady movement while trying to grasp, catch, or hold onto an object. Additionally, in a figurative sense, fumble can also mean to make a mistake or error in the execution of a task or in the use of words.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
verb
Synonyms
mishandle, drop, botch, bungle, flounder, stumble, blunder, louse up, mess up, muff, mismanage, muddle
Antonyms
handle, grasp, catch, secure, execute, perform, accomplish, achieve, succeed
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | fumblers, fumbler, fumbles, fumble |
| Verb | fumbled, fumbles, fumbling, fumble |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The quarterback’s nerves got the best of him, causing him to fumble the football during a crucial play.
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As the cat tried to catch the mouse, its paws fumbled, allowing the small rodent to escape under the furniture.
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The pianist, overcome by stage fright, began to fumble the keys, producing a discordant melody that left the audience bewildered.
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During the job interview, she got flustered and started to fumble her answers, struggling to articulate her qualifications effectively.
Usage
The word “fumble” originated from the Old English word “fumol” which means “to grope or stumble.” It is derived from the Proto-Germanic root “fem” which conveys the idea of “clumsiness” or “awkwardness.” The suffix “-ble” denotes the ability or possibility of an action. Over time, “fumble” has come to represent the act of handling something clumsily, making mistakes, or failing to execute a task with skill or precision.
In usage, “fumble” often refers to physical actions, such as dropping or mishandling an object, but it can also describe mental or verbal clumsiness. It is commonly used in sports to describe the failure to catch, throw, or control a ball effectively. Figuratively, “fumble” can be used to express the idea of making errors or mistakes in various contexts, such as in speech, decision-making, or problem-solving.
The word “fumble” can also be modified with prefixes or used in different forms to convey specific meanings. For example, “fumbling” refers to the act of clumsily handling something, while “fumbler” denotes a person who frequently makes mistakes or exhibits awkwardness. Additionally, prefixes like “mis-” or “un-” can be added to create variations such as “misfumble” or “unfumbling,” emphasizing a greater degree of error or ineptitude.
Overall, “fumble” is a versatile word that captures the essence of clumsiness, mistakes, and lack of skill. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts to describe situations where actions or decisions are executed in a clumsy or ineffective manner.