noun Uncommon

stumbling

STUHMB-lihng

Stumbling (noun) means the act of tripping, faltering, or moving unsteadily. Example: “The toddler's stumbling across the lawn made everyone laugh.”

noun

The act of tripping, faltering, or moving unsteadily.

"The toddler's stumbling across the lawn made everyone laugh."

"A few stumblings aside, the speech went smoothly."

How to use stumbling

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe noun form of "stumble" — tripping or faltering, whether physically or in speech.

Common pairings

stumbling gait stumbling attempt

Word forms

stumblings plural

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The toddler's _____ across the lawn made everyone laugh.

Rhymes for stumbling

tumbling humbling rumbling fumbling mumbling bumbling crumbling grumbling

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Frequently asked questions

What does “stumbling” mean?

The word “stumbling” means the act of tripping, faltering, or moving unsteadily. In plain terms, the noun form of "stumble" — tripping or faltering, whether physically or in speech.

How do you pronounce “stumbling”?

“Stumbling” is pronounced STUHMB-lihng (/ˈstʌmblɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “stumbling” in a sentence?

Here is “stumbling” used in a sentence: “The toddler's stumbling across the lawn made everyone laugh.”

What part of speech is “stumbling”?

“Stumbling” is a noun.

Is “stumbling” a common word?

“Stumbling” is an uncommon word in modern English.