Stumble: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this when someone temporarily loses their balance while walking or running but often manages to regain it without completely falling down. It can also be used metaphorically for making a mistake or encountering a difficulty.

• She stumbled over a tree root but quickly regained her footing.
• He stumbled through his presentation but eventually got his message across.

Use this when someone stubs their foot against an object, causing them to lose their balance but not necessarily fall. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a minor error or setback.

• He tripped over the dog toy in the hallway.
• She tripped over her words during the speech.

Use this when someone loses their footing due to a lack of traction, often on a smooth or wet surface. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a minor mistake.

• She slipped on the icy sidewalk and almost fell.
• He slipped up and called her by the wrong name.

Use this when someone loses their balance completely and ends up on the ground or another surface. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a decline or failure.

• He fell off his bike and scraped his knee.
• The company's profits fell dramatically last year.

Used to describe a physical misstep or a minor mistake in speech or action. Often related to tripping or losing balance.

• She stumbled over a rock and nearly fell.
• He stumbled through his speech, making several small errors.

Refers to a significant mistake or serious error, typically due to carelessness or lack of understanding. Often carries a negative connotation.

• The company's decision to ignore the market trend was a huge blunder.
• She made a blunder by forgetting the deadline.

Describes hesitation or a loss of strength or confidence. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical senses, such as faltering speech or actions.

• Her voice faltered when she tried to explain what happened.
• He faltered momentarily but then continued his journey.

A formal or literary way to say 'make a mistake'. It can be used in various contexts, though often seen in written form or formal speech.

• To err is human; to forgive, divine.
• The committee is acknowledging they may have erred in their initial assessment.

Stumble is typically used when someone trips or loses their balance while walking or running. It often implies an unexpected obstacle or momentary lapse.

• He stumbled over a tree root while hiking in the forest.
• She stumbled on the uneven pavement but managed to catch herself.

Stagger denotes an unsteady movement from side to side, often due to weakness, drunkenness, or carrying a heavy load. It suggests difficulty in maintaining balance.

• He managed to stagger home after a night out at the bar.
• The boxer staggered after receiving a powerful punch.

Lurch is often used when there's a sudden, unsteady movement, which can be either physical or metaphorical. It suggests an abrupt change in motion or direction.

• The bus lurched forward, causing the passengers to grab onto their seats.
• His heart lurched when he heard the unexpected news.

Wobble refers to instability and slight movement from side to side. It can describe both physical objects and people. Objects that aren't firmly fixed or people who are unsure on their feet can be described as wobbling.

• The old table wobbled dangerously when she placed the vase on it.
• His legs wobbled as he tried to stand after the long flight.