C2noun 1K

Stumble

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈstʌmbl/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈstʌmbl/"]/

Meaning of Stumble

a problem or temporary failure when you are on the way to achieving something

In simple words: To trip or lose balance while walking

Stumble in a sentence

• 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

How to use Stumble

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.

Related words

Collocations with Stumble

• stumble upon
• stumble over
• stumble through

Synonyms for Stumble

• trip
• falter
• blunder
• slip
• misstep

Opposites of Stumble

• steady
• balance
• walk straight

Common mistakes with Stumble

• 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.

Frequently asked questions about Stumble

What does Stumble mean?

To trip or lose balance while walking

What is the definition of Stumble?

a problem or temporary failure when you are on the way to achieving something

How do you use Stumble in a sentence?

There were good reasons for the team's first-round stumble against Los Angeles.

Can you give another example of Stumble?

After a slight stumble backwards, he regained his balance.

What are synonyms for Stumble?

Common alternatives include trip, falter, blunder, slip, misstep.

What is the opposite of Stumble?

Opposite meanings include steady, balance, walk straight.

What words go with Stumble?

It commonly pairs with stumble upon, stumble over, stumble through.

What are common mistakes when using Stumble?

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.

How do you pronounce Stumble?

US: /["/ˈstʌmbl/"]/, UK: /["/ˈstʌmbl/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Stumble?

Use 'stumble' when referring to losing balance physically or when discovering something accidentally. It's not suitable for formal writing.

What CEFR level is Stumble?

"Stumble" is at C2 level on the CEFR scale.