bumbling

[buhm-bling]

adjective

1. liable to make awkward blunders.

   a bumbling mechanic.

2. clumsily incompetent or ineffectual.

   bumbling diplomacy.

noun

1. the act or practice of making blunders.

   The bumbling of their officers cost them the battle.

Other Word Forms

• bumblingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bumbling¹

First recorded in 1525–35; bumble ¹ + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Fashion and the pursuit of style are, in a sense, a stumbling, bumbling journey.

From Los Angeles Times

A bumbling Defense secretary who lacks the competence to organize a two-car military procession.

From Los Angeles Times

As “The Carpool Detectives” recounts, the women sought out the help of sometimes-reluctant police officers and the victims’ family members, bumbling at times as newbie investigators.

From Los Angeles Times

The bumbling rocker dad is gentle, laughable even, and you very much believed his younger version was capable of snorting ants, one of those legends he alternatively denied and confirmed throughout his career.

From Salon

And yet I sympathize — and even agree — with what Gonzalez was really getting at, as imperfect and bumbling as she was.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inept