bumbling — acting in a confused or ineffectual way; clumsy and awkward
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: acting in a confused or ineffectual way; clumsy and awkward
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈbʌmblɪŋ/
Example Sentences
- The bumbling waiter spilled soup on three different customers in one night.
- Despite his bumbling appearance, he somehow solved the case.
- The bumbling superhero accidentally flew into a billboard while trying to save a cat.
bumbling
ADJECTIVE[/ˈbʌmblɪŋ/]
acting in a confused or ineffectual way; clumsy and awkward
a nervous waiter carries multiple plates stacked high on both arms while navigating between kitchen equipment. He stumbles slightly as he tries to balance everything, his eyes wide with concentration and worry. One plate starts to slide off his arm as he bumps into a hanging pot with his elbow. The collision causes kitchen utensils to rattle and fall while soup spills from the tilting plate. Other kitchen staff nearby duck and reach out to help catch falling items. A chef in the background shakes his head with an exasperated but understanding expression. acting in a confused and ineffectual way through clumsy and awkward movements
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the 15th-century word 'bumble' meaning 'to make a buzzing sound,' originally describing the clumsy, droning flight of bumblebees. The meaning evolved from the bee's seemingly awkward movement to describe any clumsy or inept behavior.
Breakdown
bumble (to move clumsily like a buzzing bee) + -ing (present participle/adjective suffix)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The bumbling waiter spilled soup on three different customers in one night.”
“Despite his bumbling appearance, he somehow solved the case.”
“The bumbling superhero accidentally flew into a billboard while trying to save a cat.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.