bumpy

[buhm-pee]

adjective

bumpier, bumpiest 

1. of uneven surface; full of bumps.

   a bumpy road.

2. full of jolts.

   a bumpy ride.

3. causing jolts.

   Bumpy air shook the airplane.

4. having many difficulties or failures; full of ups and downs.

   He had a rather bumpy career before he settled down in his present job.

bumpy

/ ˈbʌmpɪ /

adjective

1. having an uneven surface

   a bumpy road

2. full of jolts; rough

   a bumpy flight

Other Word Forms

• bumpily adverb
• bumpiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bumpy¹

First recorded in 1860–65; bump + -y ¹

Example Sentences

“Rising unemployment, the somewhat bumpy start of the new federal government, and the uncertain customs policy of the U.S. are not currently creating a mood of optimism among consumers.”

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The smooth resolution came after a bumpy start.

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Despite hundreds of thousands of potential supporters signing up, the party has had a bumpy start since its launch in July.

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Despite the bumpy start, the party has said more than 750,000 people have signed up to get involved since its launch.

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Other medical facilities are simply too far from Abdul's village, and it was not without risk for Shahnaz to travel on bumpy roads.

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Related Words

• choppy 
• jarring 
• jerky 
• rugged 
• rutted www.thesaurus.com
• uneven