Bumpiness

Bumpiness refers to the unevenness or irregularity of a surface, resulting in a series of small, sudden upward and downward movements or vibrations. It can be perceived physically, such as when driving on a rough road, or metaphorically, describing instability or unpredictability in various contexts like a person's emotional state, a financial market, or a storyline in a novel. The degree of bumpiness indicates the extent of the unevenness and affects the experience; for example, slight bumpiness might be considered merely inconvenient, while extreme bumpiness can lead to discomfort, damage, or a complete loss of control. This unevenness can manifest in terrain, emotions, economic indicators, and even a computer game’s animation.

Bumpiness meaning with examples

• The jeep's suspension struggled to absorb the severe bumpiness of the off-road trail, causing passengers to bounce violently in their seats. They were constantly jostled, the rough terrain a constant struggle. The driver focused to avoid hazards.
• After the surgery, the patient experienced a subtle bumpiness in their recovery; there were good days and bad days, with progress appearing uneven, this caused the patients spirits to fluctuate and worry their loved ones.
• The stock market showed a marked bumpiness throughout the quarter, with sharp ups and downs making investors nervous and triggering many stop losses as traders tried to maintain profits.
• Reading the novel, Sarah found a certain bumpiness to the plot development, the story seemed to jump between the main narrative and unexplained flashbacks that were difficult to follow.
• The developers decided to reduce the bumpiness in the new video game's environment, improving the character's movement, adding some realism and keeping players entertained rather than frustrated and nauseated.