Fumble Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

To handle something in a clumsy or awkward way, often dropping or losing control of it. It can also mean to hesitate or make mistakes when speaking or acting.

Usage & Nuances

'Fumble' is often used for physical actions (like dropping keys) but also for awkward speech or mistakes in sports (like football). Common collocations: 'fumble for' (searching clumsily), 'fumble the ball' (sports). It is informal and suggests lack of confidence or coordination.

• Spanish: tantear - torpemente manipular - perder el control (de algo)
• Portuguese (BR): titubear - manusear desajeitadamente - deixar cair (acidentalmente)
• Portuguese (PT): titubear - manusear desajeitadamente - deixar cair (acidentalmente)
• Chinese (Simplified): 笨拙地摸索 - 笨手笨脚地弄丢
• Chinese (Traditional): 笨拙地摸索 - 笨手笨腳地弄丟
• Hindi: घबराहट में हाथ-पैर मारना - कुछ गिरा देना
• Arabic: يتلمس - يعبث - يفقد السيطرة (على شيء)
• Bengali: হাতড়ানো - গড়গড়ানো (কথা বলতে)
• Russian: неуклюже обращаться - мямлить (при разговоре)
• Japanese: 不器用に扱う - 口ごもる
• Vietnamese: lóng ngóng - vụng về (khi nói chuyện)
• Korean: 더듬거리다 - 서투르게 다루다
• Turkish: beceriksizce tutmak - kekelemek (konuşmada)
• Urdu: گھبراہٹ میں چیز گرا دینا - بات اٹک جانا
• Indonesian: meraba-meraba memegang - gagap (saat bicara)

Example Sentences

He fumbled with his keys at the door.

basic

She dropped her phone when she fumbled for it.

basic

The player fumbled the ball and lost the game.

basic

I always fumble my words when I'm nervous.

natural

Don’t fumble around—just say what you mean.

natural

He fumbled through his bag, trying to find his wallet.

natural