stuck

/stick/

Thân thiện

The child's toy truck is stuck in the mud.

Definition

Adjective 1. Unable to move or be moved; fixed in place. Describes something that is caught, jammed, or firmly attached and cannot proceed. 2. Unable to progress or find a solution; baffled. Describes a person who is unable to continue with a task or solve a problem. 3. Remaining in a place or situation, often unwillingly. Describes being trapped or unable to leave a particular state or location.

Usage Examples

• Adjective (Physically fixed):
  • The drawer is stuck; I can't open it.
  • The car got stuck in the mud after the heavy rain.
• Adjective (Unable to progress):
  • I'm stuck on question three of the math test.
  • If you get stuck, ask the teacher for help.
• Adjective (Trapped in a situation):
  • He felt stuck in a boring job.
  • We were stuck at the airport due to the storm.

Advanced Usage

• "to be stuck with (someone/something)": To be forced to accept or deal with an unwanted person or situation.
  • I was stuck with the bill when my friends left early.
  • She's stuck with her old car until she can afford a new one.
• "to be stuck in a rut": To be trapped in a boring, unchanging routine.
  • After ten years in the same role, he felt stuck in a rut.
• "to be stuck between a rock and a hard place": To be in a difficult situation where all choices are bad.
  • Choosing between two bad options, I was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Variants and Related Words

• Stick (verb): The base verb from which "stuck" is derived as a past tense and past participle. Meanings include to attach, to push something into, or to remain fixed.
  • Please stick the note on the fridge.
  • The needle stuck in my finger.
• Sticky (adjective): Tending to adhere or cause adhesion.
  • The tape is very sticky.
• Unstuck (adjective): No longer stuck; freed.
  • With some oil, the rusty bolt finally came unstuck.

Synonyms

• Trapped: Unable to escape or move freely.
• Jammed: Wedged or blocked so that movement is impossible.
• Baffled: Completely confused or puzzled.
• Stranded: Left in a difficult or helpless position.

Related Phrasal Verbs (from the base verb 'stick')

• Stick around: To stay in a place waiting for something.
  • Stick around after the meeting; I need to talk to you.
• Stick out: To be noticeable or to endure something unpleasant.
  • His talent really sticks out in the group.
  • I'll have to stick out this boring lecture.
• Stick to (something): To continue with or limit oneself to something.
  • Stick to the main road; it's faster.
  • You should stick to your original plan.
• Stick up for (someone): To defend or support someone.
  • It's important to stick up for your friends.

Related Idioms

• Stick in one's craw/throat: To be difficult to accept or swallow.
  • His arrogant comment really stuck in my craw.
• Stick one's neck out: To take a risk.
  • He stuck his neck out to recommend me for the job.
• Stick to one's guns: To refuse to change one's opinion or actions despite pressure.
  • Even when criticized, she stuck to her guns.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. baffled
   • this problem has me completely stuck
2. caught or fixed
   • stuck in the mud