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Stuck Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stuck

[stʌk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

unable to move or change position; fixed in a particular place or way of thinking.

Synonyms

fixed, immobile, trapped.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stuck

Used to describe a situation where someone or something is unable to move or is in a difficult situation. Can have a negative connotation.

  • The car got stuck in the mud.
  • I’m stuck on this math problem and need help.
trapped

Describes a situation where someone or something cannot escape from a place or situation. Often used in a context that implies danger or urgency.

  • The miners were trapped underground for three days.
  • She felt trapped in her job with no way out.
immobile

Used to describe someone or something that cannot move at all, often due to injury or other physical limitations.

  • The patient remained immobile after the surgery.
  • The old car was completely immobile.
fixed

Means that something is securely in place or repaired. Usually has a positive connotation when referring to repairs.

  • The plumber fixed the leaky faucet.
  • The picture is fixed to the wall.

Examples of usage

  • I'm stuck in traffic.
  • She felt stuck in her job and needed a change.
Context #2 | Verb

situation

be or remain in a specified place or situation, typically a difficult or unwelcome one.

Synonyms

grounded, immobilized, trapped.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stuck

Use when something or someone is unable to move or progress, often temporarily.

  • The car is stuck in the mud
  • She felt stuck in her current job
trapped

Use when someone or something is caught in a situation from which they cannot escape, often with a sense of urgency or danger.

  • He was trapped in the elevator for hours
  • The rabbit was trapped in the hunter's snare
immobilized

Use in more formal or technical situations when something or someone is made unable to move.

  • The accident left him immobilized for several months
  • The broken wheel has immobilized the vehicle
grounded

Commonly used when someone is not allowed to go out or when planes cannot fly. It can also refer to being well-balanced and sensible.

  • He was grounded for a week as a punishment
  • All flights are grounded due to the storm
  • She is very grounded despite her success

Examples of usage

  • I'm stuck at work late tonight.
  • She was stuck in a difficult decision.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling stuck can often be associated with mental blocks, where a person feels unable to move forward in thoughts or actions.
  • This sensation is sometimes linked with anxiety, creating a feeling of being trapped both physically and emotionally.
  • Therapists often encourage mindfulness practices to help people 'unstick' from negative thought patterns.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'stuck in traffic' is commonly used in songs and movies to express frustration with delays.
  • Many cartoons illustrate characters getting stuck in hilarious situations, often enhancing humor through exaggerated motionlessness.
  • The song 'Stuck Like Glue' by Sugarland uses the concept of being stuck as a metaphor for love and commitment.

Science

  • In physics, the term 'stuck' can describe objects adhering to surfaces due to friction or adhesion.
  • Researchers study how molecules can become stuck during chemical reactions, influencing outcomes in laboratories.
  • Sticky materials are often used in robotics to allow machines to grasp and hold onto objects effectively.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often experience feeling stuck in life as a major plot point, representing personal struggles and growth.
  • Classic stories like 'Alice in Wonderland' explore themes of being stuck in surreal situations, reflecting deeper philosophical questions.
  • Stuck is a common theme in poetry, symbolizing emotional entrapment and the desire for change.

Origin of 'stuck'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'stuck' comes from the Old English word 'stician', meaning to stick or to pierce.
  • In the 18th century, the term evolved, becoming connected with being unable to move.
  • The past tense of 'stick' became 'stuck', showing a shift in use over time.

The origin of the word 'stuck' can be traced back to the Middle English word 'stikken', meaning 'to pierce, stab'. Over time, the meaning evolved to represent being fixed or unable to move. The word has been used in various contexts to describe physical, emotional, and mental situations where progress or movement is hindered.

See also: stuckness.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,073 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.