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 Words From

• bumbling·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of bumbling¹

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

Related Words

• inept