fumbling

• Qualifie des gestes maladroits, hésitants ou peu assurés, en particulier avec les mains.

Describes awkward, clumsy, or hesitant actions, especially with the hands.

1. Clumsy or awkwardB2informal

   Showing a lack of skill, coordination, or aptitude; characterized by awkward movements or actions.

   maladroit

   • His fumbling attempts to fix the sink only made the leak worse.
   • She gave a fumbling explanation that confused everyone.
   • The fumbling rookie dropped the ball twice during the game.

   Synonymesawkwardbunglingclumsygracelessham-fistedheavy-handedineptmaladroitungainly

   Antonymesadroitcoordinateddeftdexterousgracefulskillful

• Verbe utilisé pour décrire l'action de tenir ou de manipuler quelque chose de manière maladroite ou nerveuse, souvent en le faisant tomber ou en perdant la prise. Peut aussi signifier hésiter ou bredouiller en parlant.

A verb used to indicate the act of handling something clumsily or nervously, often resulting in dropping or losing grip.

1. Handle clumsilyB1formal

   To use the hands clumsily or awkwardly, often dropping or mishandling something.

   Manipuler maladroitement

   • He fumbled with the keys while trying to unlock the door.
   • She fumbled the ball during the game.
   • The waiter fumbled the tray, spilling drinks everywhere.

   Synonymesbotchbungleflubmanglemishandle

   Antonymesclutchgraspgriphandle

2. Speak hesitantlyB2formal

   To speak in a confused or hesitant way, often searching for words.

   parler en hésitant

   • He fumbled for an answer during the interview.
   • She fumbled through her speech, forgetting key points.
   • The politician fumbled when asked about the scandal.

   Synonymesfalterflounderhesitatestammerstumblestutter

   Antonymesarticulateenunciate

3. Search awkwardlyB1informal

   To search for something in a clumsy or uncertain manner.

   Chercher à tâtons

   • He fumbled in his pocket for a coin.
   • She fumbled around in the dark for the light switch.
   • They fumbled through the drawer looking for the manual.

   Synonymesfloundergropescrabble