fumble

USAGE SUMMARY

"fumble" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb that means to make a mistake, mishandle or drop something clumsily. For example, "The quarterback fumbled the ball on the final play of the game, leading his team to a heartbreaking loss."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Independent

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The hosts looked to have broken the drought in the 55th minute when five-eighth Mitchell Moses chased down his own chip and toed ahead for Kevin Naiqama, only for the Tigers winger to fumble the ball over the line.

The Guardian - Sport

When a species such as the hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) fails to by a handful of votes to reach protection from trade, might this be down to fumble fingers?

The Economist

Words frustrate her, like fastened buttons at which she can only fumble.

The Economist

They are more likely to fumble this opportunity than to seize it wholeheartedly.

The Economist

Siegfried may send a few accountants; it may send several hundred.In this section Storm in a T-bond Fukui's fumble Thirst for growth Riddle solved Growth in numbers Intangible opportunities Not quite a row of sixes Intricate workings ReprintsTypically, its accountants stay with a company for six to nine months.

The Economist

Then the reluctance to allow a Greek default makes no sense.It is immensely frustrating to watch Europe, the ECB, and the IMF fumble their way toward the inevitable choice a euro-zone break-up or restructuring and tighter fiscal union.

The Economist

As well as Dunkin Brandsseveralrestaurantrant chains and fashion firms have issued bonds backed by logos and brands.In this section Storm in a T-bond Fukui's fumble Thirst for growth Riddle solved Growth in numbers Intangible opportunities Not quite a row of sixes Intricate workings ReprintsIntellectual-property deals belong to a class known as operating-asset securitisations.

The Economist

The arena-filling bouts of "WWE Raw" feature beefy men in often bedazzled leotards calling each other names before engaging in dramatically choreographed fumble sessions.

The Economist

His fumble rate while rushing has thus been just 0.9%.

The Economist

You want them to get to the finishing line but for every step forward there is a fumble, a squabble and lots of milling about.

The Economist

Governments would fumble in the dark, investors would waste money and electorates would struggle to hold their political leaders to account.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fumble", be specific about what was fumbled. Providing context clarifies the nature and impact of the mistake.

Common error

Avoid using "fumble" to describe complex, abstract failures. While sometimes acceptable, it's more impactful when describing a tangible mistake or dropped object. Instead, consider alternatives like "mismanage" or "fail" for abstract situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fumble" is as a verb, used to describe the act of handling something clumsily or making a mistake. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates a failure to execute properly. Examples show it used both transitively (fumbling an object) and intransitively (fumbling through a task).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

12%

Independent

12%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fumble" is a versatile verb used to describe clumsiness, mistakes, and failures in handling objects or situations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. While its register is generally neutral, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. To use "fumble" effectively, provide context to clarify the nature of the action and consider alternatives like "mishandle" or "drop the ball" for nuanced meanings. Avoid using "fumble" to describe abstract failures unless a sense of physical clumsiness or a direct mistake is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mishandle

Implies handling something badly or inappropriately, similar to "fumble" but often with a broader application beyond physical objects.

drop the ball

An idiomatic expression meaning to make a mistake or fail to fulfill a responsibility.

make a mess of

Suggests a more significant level of error or disorganization compared to a simple "fumble".

botch

Indicates a poorly executed or ruined attempt, akin to a more severe "fumble".

bungle

To carry out a task clumsily or incompetently, resulting in failure.

flub

A less formal term for making a mistake, especially in performance or execution.

muff

To handle something clumsily and ineffectively, leading to a poor outcome.

blunder

To make a stupid or careless mistake.

fail to capitalize on

Describes the failure to take advantage of an opportunity.

lose one's grip

Signifies a loss of control or competence.

FAQs

How can I use "fumble" in a sentence?

You can use "fumble" to describe dropping something, handling something clumsily, or making a mistake. For example, "He fumbled the keys" or "The team fumbled their chance to win".

What can I say instead of "fumble"?

You can use alternatives like "mishandle", "drop the ball", or "bungle" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "fumble" and "blunder"?

"Fumble" often implies a physical clumsiness or a minor mistake, while "blunder" suggests a more significant and often avoidable error.

Is it correct to use "fumble" in a business context?

Yes, you can use "fumble" in a business context to describe a mishandled opportunity or a mistake. For example, "The company fumbled the negotiation".