stuck
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for stuck, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adjective — Unable to move or be moved; fixed in place.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use stuck
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Compare stoccado.
Full origin of stuck →Frequently asked questions
What does “stuck” mean?
The word “stuck” means unable to move or be moved; fixed in place. In plain terms, physically unable to move, or mentally unable to progress with something.
How do you pronounce “stuck”?
“Stuck” is pronounced stuhk (/stʌk/ in IPA).
How do you use “stuck” in a sentence?
Here is “stuck” used in a sentence: “The car got stuck in the mud after the storm.”
What part of speech is “stuck”?
“Stuck” is an adjective.
Is “stuck” a common word?
“Stuck” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “stuck” have?
“Stuck” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: unable to move or be moved; fixed in place.
What is the difference between stuck and trapped?
Both mean unable to move, but trapped stresses being caught with no way out, often with a sense of danger, as in trapped in a lift. Stuck is broader and usually milder: a drawer can be stuck, or a car stuck in mud. Trapped tends to feel more serious and deliberate than stuck.
What does it mean to be stuck?
To be stuck is to be unable to move or be moved, fixed firmly in place. A key can be stuck in a lock, or a wheel stuck in the snow. Figuratively, people say they are stuck when they cannot make progress, such as being stuck on a puzzle or stuck in a routine.
What is the opposite of stuck?
The opposites include free, loose, moving, unstuck, or released. A stuck door will not budge; a free one swings open easily. If something jammed comes loose, or a stalled situation starts moving again, it is no longer stuck. The best opposite depends on the physical or figurative sense you mean.