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Stuck: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "stuck" in other languages:

🇵🇹 preso

🇮🇳 फंसा हुआ

🇩🇪 festgefahren

🇮🇩 terjebak

🇺🇦 застряглий

🇵🇱 utknięty

🇯🇵 動けない

🇫🇷 coincé

🇪🇸 atrapado

🇹🇷 sıkışmış

🇰🇷 갇힌

🇸🇦 عالق

🇨🇿 uvíznutý

🇸🇰 zaseknutý

🇨🇳 卡住的

🇸🇮 zataknjen

🇮🇸 fastur

🇰🇿 тұрып қалған

🇬🇪 დაჭერილი

🇦🇿 sıxılmış

🇲🇽 atrapado

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.