Stumbles

To 'stumble' signifies the act of losing one's balance or nearly falling, often due to a misstep or impediment. It can also figuratively describe making a mistake, faltering, or hesitating in speech, action, or progress. The word captures a sense of awkwardness, uncertainty, or disruption. It implies a temporary loss of control, whether physical or metaphorical. The cause could be a physical obstruction, a lack of concentration, or a lapse in judgment. Furthermore, 'stumbles' may also be related to the ability to make misjudgments, especially in social situations or in speech. It can range from a minor physical trip to a major social gaffe, but in both cases, it conveys a feeling of unintentional disruption and often a subsequent recovery or attempt to recover composure.

Stumbles meaning with examples

• Lost in thought, she **stumbled** over the uneven pavement, barely catching herself before she fell. The sudden trip startled her, reminding her to pay more attention to her surroundings as she proceeded. This minor physical blunder caused her to refocus and shake off her wandering mindset.
• During his presentation, he **stumbled** over a complex technical term, momentarily losing his train of thought. He paused, took a deep breath, and rephrased the sentence, demonstrating quick recovery from a minor public speaking blunder. The audience responded with a smile.
• The company **stumbled** in its initial marketing campaign, failing to resonate with the target audience. They quickly reassessed their strategy, learned from their mistakes, and launched a more effective campaign. This taught them the importance of market research.
• He **stumbled** upon a hidden compartment in the old chest, revealing a collection of forgotten letters and a family history he never knew. This fortuitous discovery changed his understanding of his heritage and motivated further investigation.
• She stumbles with social interactions, especially when meeting new people, often saying the wrong thing. Despite her awkwardness, her genuine kindness shines through and people overlook the occasional faux pas. This emphasizes her good heart.