stumbled; stumbling
ˈstəm-b(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to fall into sin or waywardness
b
: to make an error : blunder
c
: to come to an obstacle to belief
2
: to trip in walking or running
3
a
: to walk unsteadily or clumsily
b
: to speak or act in a hesitant or faltering manner
4
a
: to come unexpectedly or by chance
stumble onto the truth
b
: to fall or move carelessly
Examples of stumble in a Sentence
Verb
I stumbled on the uneven pavement.
The horse stumbled and almost fell.
He stumbled drunkenly across the room.
He stumbled over to the table.
I heard him stumble over the unfamiliar words.
She stumbled through an apology.
The economy has stumbled in recent months.
Noun
was his hurtful remark a regrettable stumble, or was it made with artful intention?
has bones so brittle that a minor stumble could result in a serious break
Recent Examples on the Web
Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
But in a market with no room for error, the cybersecurity giant stumbled on guidance, and the stock sank.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026
Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
Avoid self-conscious stumbles by picking your confidant carefully.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stumble
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show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Verb
Illinois bolted an early 15-3 lead as USC stumbled out of the gate, turning the ball over four times in the first six minutes and missing seven of its first eight shots.
—Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026
But in a market with no room for error, the cybersecurity giant stumbled on guidance, and the stock sank.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
Many parents’ anxieties about their kid stem from a personal fear—that a bad grade means their child won’t get into a good college, that a stumble today could derail their future.
—Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026
Avoid self-conscious stumbles by picking your confidant carefully.
—Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for stumble
Cite this Entry
“Stumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stumble. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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