stumbled; stumbling ˈstəm-b(ə-)liŋ 
1
a
: to fall into sin or waywardness
b
: to make an error : blunder
c
: to come to an obstacle to belief
2
: to trip in walking or running
3
a
: to walk unsteadily or clumsily
b
: to speak or act in a hesitant or faltering manner
4
a
: to come unexpectedly or by chance
stumble onto the truth
b
: to fall or move carelessly
Examples of stumble in a Sentence
Verb I stumbled on the uneven pavement. The horse stumbled and almost fell. He stumbled drunkenly across the room. He stumbled over to the table. I heard him stumble over the unfamiliar words. She stumbled through an apology. The economy has stumbled in recent months. Noun was his hurtful remark a regrettable stumble, or was it made with artful intention? has bones so brittle that a minor stumble could result in a serious break
Recent Examples on the Web
Jocelyn Gecker, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 In the final cut, Mabel accidentally stumbles upon research being done by her biology professor (Kathy Najimy), discovers the technology, and hijacks a robot beaver. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Troy Renck, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026 After some stumbles with AI in 2024, Apple has been largely sitting on the sidelines of the AI race. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stumble
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Verb
If the student stumbles, the AI agent gives them clues, along with criticism and positive feedback. —Jocelyn Gecker, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026 In the final cut, Mabel accidentally stumbles upon research being done by her biology professor (Kathy Najimy), discovers the technology, and hijacks a robot beaver. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
But this stumble felt more personal, more damning. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026 After some stumbles with AI in 2024, Apple has been largely sitting on the sidelines of the AI race. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stumble
Cite this Entry
“Stumble.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/stumble. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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