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What is another word for Bumbling? – 271 Bumbling Synonyms

    Need another word for Bumbling? Use these synonyms of Bumbling from our thesaurus to say it differently.


    Synonyms & Similar Words

    clumsy inept awkward hapless ineffectual incompetent uncoordinated maladroit bungling stumbling fumbling blundering stumbling tripping stuttering stammering faltering floundering struggling careening lurching staggering reeling toddling hobbling limping blunderous crackbrained imprudent rash thoughtless inconsiderate foolish absurd ridiculous preposterous ludicrous laughable risible comical farcical inelegant ungainly ungraceful gawky gangly lumbering stumbling unsteady shaky rickety wobbly teetering wavering vacillating hesitating irresolute indecisive uncertain doubtful ambivalent wishy-washy spineless weak feeble frail infirm decrepit senile doddering trembly quavering quivering shuddering twitching

    Meaning of Bumbling

    The primary meaning of "bumbling" is to perform an action clumsily or ineptly.

    Definitions

    • Making mistakes or being inefficient because of a lack of skill or care
    • Acting or moving clumsily, especially in a way that is amusing to watch
    • Incompetent or ineffectual in a particular task or activity

    Etymology of Bumbling

    The word "bumbling" originated in the mid-17th century, likely as a frequentative form of "bumble", which means to make a mistake or act clumsily
    The term is thought to have come from the Middle English word "bumbelen", which means to stumble or blunder
    Historically, the word has been used to describe someone who is inept or incompetent, often in a humorous or lighthearted way

    Example Uses

    • The bumbling detective stumbled over his own feet while chasing the suspect
    • The new employee was bumbling through the training process, making mistake after mistake
    • The comedian's bumbling stage presence was actually a clever act that had the audience in stitches

    Antonyms & Near Antonyms

    adept skilled competent proficient capable able agile nimble quick clever resourceful efficient effective skilled talented gifted brilliant masterful expert virtuosic polished refined elegant suave sophisticated urbane assured confident self-assured poised composed collected calm serene tranquil peaceful steady stable firm secure strong robust vigorous energetic lively dynamic forceful powerful potent compelling convincing persuasive authoritative commanding dominant controlling masterful

    Related Nouns

    blunder mistake error faux pas gaffe slip stumble trip fumble bungle botch mess muddle chaos confusion disarray turmoil upheaval commotion disturbance disorder mayhem pandemonium accident mishap calamity disaster catastrophe debacle failure flop fiasco farce travesty mockery sham charade pretense facade illusion delusion fantasy dream vision hallucination specter phantom apparition

    Related Verbs

    stumble trip fumble bumble blunder botch mess muddle confuse disarray upset disturb disrupt commove shake rattle jolt shock stun astonish amaze bewilder perplex puzzle confound flummox nonplus discombobulate flabbergast astound dazzle bewitch enchant captivate enthrall mesmerize hypnotize spellbind entrance entice allure attract seduce tempt lure decoy dupe deceive cheat swindle defraud hoax trick con fool dupe beguile mislead misguide misdirect

    Related Adjectives

    clumsy inept awkward hapless ineffectual incompetent uncoordinated maladroit bungling stumbling fumbling blundering careless thoughtless inconsiderate foolish absurd ridiculous preposterous ludicrous laughable risible comical farcical inelegant ungainly ungraceful gawky gangly lumbering stumbling