groping

[ groh-ping ]

/ ˈgroʊ pɪŋ /

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adjective

moving or going about clumsily or hesitantly; stumbling.

showing or reflecting a desire to understand, especially something that proves puzzling: a groping scrutiny; a groping expression.

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Origin of groping

Middle English word dating back to 1300–50; see origin at grope, -ing²

grop·ing·ly, adverb

I vividly recall, that day and the weeks afterward, people groping for a decent way forward.
The Media's Pro-Torture Cheerleaders|Jedediah Purdy|December 10, 2014|DAILY BEAST
“He was groping for some way to phrase the emotions that usually were kept securely locked up,” said Eleanor.
The Stacks: The Day Lou Gehrig Delivered Baseball’s Gettysburg Address|Ray Robinson|July 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Miranda Barbour is said to have initially told police that she acted alone and stabbed the man only after he began groping her.
A Satanic Killer of 100 People? More Like One, Cops Think|Michael Daly|February 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The U.S. Open of Surfing dissolved into vandalism, looting, and groping.
U.S. Open of Surfing Turns Into Riot|Mark Lukach|July 31, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Instead, Republicans are groping for answers as the slow march toward the fiscal cliff leaves them ever more divided.
Why the Fiscal Cliff Is Causing a Nervous Breakdown on the Right|Howard Kurtz|December 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Groping to the chimney-place with the aid of his matches, Mr. Collingwood found the candle and lit it.
The Boarded-Up House|Augusta Huiell Seaman
Donny found himself, dazed and alone, upon the cross-ties, groping toward the oncoming train.
A Lost Hero|Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward and Herbert D. Ward
Groping his way with half-closed eyes back to the bed, he falls again into a heavy, dreamless slumber.
Uncanny Tales|Various
They went into the haunted house then, groping their way in the darkness, for they had left their own lantern in the dory.
The Rival Campers|Ruel Perley Smith
She knew the spot well, and groping for the wall, she stood breathless and spray-beaten beside the gulf.
Marriage la mode|Mrs. Humphry Ward