fumbling
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Characterized by or showing a lack of skill, dexterity, or confidence in handling or performing a task: The word "fumbling" describes actions that are awkward, clumsy, or hesitant, often resulting from nervousness, inexperience, or a lack of aptitude.
Usage
- As an adjective: "Fumbling" is used to modify a noun, describing the nature of an action, attempt, or person.
- His fumbling attempt to apologize only made things worse.
- The fumbling waiter dropped the tray of drinks.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The politician gave a fumbling answer to the difficult question.
- I could hear fumbling noises at the door as she searched for her keys in the dark.
Advanced Usage
- "Fumbling with": This common collocation describes awkwardly handling or trying to manage an object.
- He was fumbling with the knot, unable to untie it.
- Used figuratively: Can describe awkward or ineffective attempts in non-physical contexts, like speech or thought.
- Her fumbling explanation failed to convince anyone.
Variants and Related Words
- Fumble (verb): To handle or act clumsily or ineffectively.
- He tends to fumble his words when he's nervous.
- Fumbler (noun): A person who fumbles.
- He was a notorious fumbler on the football field.
Synonyms
- Clumsy: Lacking grace or skill in movement or execution.
- Bungling: Acting in a clumsy or incompetent manner.
- Awkward: Not smooth or graceful; ungainly.
- Inept: Having or showing no skill; incompetent.
Antonyms
- Dexterous: Demonstrating neat skill, especially with the hands.
- Adroit: Clever or skillful in using the hands or mind.
- Skillful: Having or showing skill.
- Proficient: Competent or skilled in doing or using something.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "All fingers and thumbs": An idiom meaning to be clumsy.
- I'm all fingers and thumbs this morning—I've already dropped my coffee.
- "Butterfingers": A playful, informal term for a person who often drops things.
- Don't let him catch the ball; he's a real butterfingers.
Adjective
- showing lack of skill or aptitude
- a bungling workman
- did a clumsy job
- his fumbling attempt to put up a shelf