adj
bumbling
Bumbling (adj) means acting in a clumsy, confused, or inept way, with little skill or coordination. Example: “The bumbling detective kept missing the obvious clues.”
adj
1
Acting in a clumsy, confused, or inept way, with little skill or coordination.
"The purpose of sharing these accounts – particularly during Women’s History Month – is to show that women, like men, can grow from bumbling neophytes to competent leaders."
— Swanee Hunt, My career: From bumbling neophyte to pioneering diplomat (2019)
"The bumbling detective kept missing the obvious clues."
"She gave a bumbling apology that only made things worse."
How to use bumbling
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishClumsy and confused, in a way that's often a bit comic.
Common pairings
bumbling idiot
a bumbling attempt
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Word forms
- Plural
- bumblings
- Comparative
- more bumbling
- Superlative
- most bumbling
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ detective kept missing the obvious clues.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for bumbling
See all rhymes for bumbling →Frequently asked questions
What does “bumbling” mean?
The word “bumbling” means acting in a clumsy, confused, or inept way, with little skill or coordination. In plain terms, clumsy and confused, in a way that's often a bit comic.
How do you use “bumbling” in a sentence?
Here is “bumbling” used in a sentence: “The bumbling detective kept missing the obvious clues.”
What part of speech is “bumbling”?
“Bumbling” is an adjective.
What is the meaning of bumbling?
"bumbling" (adj) means acting in a clumsy, confused, or inept way, with little skill or coordination.
