Cool MateStumble
UK /["/ˈstʌmbl/"]/US /["/ˈstʌmbl/"]/
Definition
a problem or temporary failure when you are on the way to achieving something
In simple words: To trip or lose balance while walking
Examples
- There were good reasons for the team's first-round stumble against Los Angeles.
- After a slight stumble backwards, he regained his balance.
- verbal stumbles
Usage notes
Use 'stumble' when referring to losing balance physically or when discovering something accidentally. It's not suitable for formal writing.
Grammar pattern
stumble + on/upon + object
Memory hint
Imagine a person stumbling over a hidden treasure, illustrating a physical trip and a discovery.
Collocations
- stumble upon
- stumble over
- stumble through
Synonyms
- trip
- falter
- blunder
- slip
- misstep
Antonyms
- steady
- balance
- walk straight
Common mistakes
- Using 'stumble' only to describe physical falling, instead of also meaning to discover something unexpectedly.
- Confusing 'stumble' with 'trip' when referring to discovering events or ideas.
- Incorrectly using 'stumbled' as a noun.