fumble
verb (used without object)
to feel or grope about clumsily.
fumbling
-
present participleof fumble.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
You don’t want to be fumbling around at the kiosks, annoying the passengers in line behind you.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026
I kind of feel like we’re all in this relay race, right, and we’re just fumbling the ball to one another and trying to move forward.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 11, 2026
"And, of course, the key to solving a problem is to understand why it's gone wrong. Otherwise, you're just fumbling in the dark."
From Science Daily ● May 29, 2026
As I followed a patrol of federal agents around New York City’s Chinatown during their fumbling attempted raid in mid-October last year, I noticed something curious.
From Slate ● Feb. 9, 2026
There’s some fumbling around and a thump like Lenny might have just smashed his toes on something.
From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden
