fumbling - Meaning, Image, Examples & Etymology - Learn English Visually

fumbling

|fum-bling|

/ˈfʌmblɪŋ/

(fumble)

clumsy handling

Base Form	3rd Person Sing.	Past	Past Participle	Present Participle	Noun
fumble	fumbles	fumbled	fumbled	fumbling	fumblers

Etymology

Etymology Information

'fumble' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'fomelen,' where 'fom-' meant 'to grope or feel about.'

Historical Evolution

'fomelen' transformed into the modern English word 'fumble' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to grope or feel about,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to handle clumsily.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to handle something clumsily or inefficiently.

He was fumbling with the keys in the dark.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 1

clumsy or awkward in handling things.

Her fumbling attempts to fix the machine were unsuccessful.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

Idioms

Last updated: 2025/06/18 13:09