stumble
verb (used without object)
to strike the foot against something, as in walking or running, so as to stagger or fall; trip.
were stumbling
-
past progressiveof stumble.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
"The traditional view held by researchers is that early humans who were making these significant water crossings were stumbling upon these islands by mistake, largely because it was so long ago," Dr Kealy said.
From Science Daily ● May 22, 2024
And while the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick pairing and later the Patrick Mahomes/Andy Reid duo were ruling the conference, the Jets were stumbling through 11 non-winning seasons and finishing last in the AFC East seven times.
From Washington Times ● Aug. 24, 2023
But distribution efforts were stumbling amid complex logistics and debates over whom to prioritize for the shots, which were in short supply.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 13, 2023
“In the fall when we were stumbling around practicing … I had players coming into my office saying, Mark’s got to be our starting quarterback,” Stiegelmeier said.
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 6, 2023
Bells were ringing far below, and all men fled before the face of Aragorn; but the Grey Company in their haste rode like hunters, until their horses were stumbling with weariness.
From "The Return of the King" by J.R.R. Tolkien
