FUMBLING

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does fumbling mean? 

• FUMBLING (adjective)
  The adjective FUMBLING has 1 sense:

1. showing lack of skill or aptitude

  Familiarity information: FUMBLING used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FUMBLING (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Showing lack of skill or aptitude

Synonyms:

bungling; clumsy; fumbling; incompetent

Context example:

his fumbling attempt to put up a shelf

Similar:

unskilled (not having or showing or requiring special skill or proficiency)

 Context examples 

After fumbling about for a bit he tried a second, and then a third.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

There was a fumbling at the latch, then the door swung in and Haythorne entered with an armful of firewood.

(Love of Life and Other Stories, by Jack London)

And, fumbling in her satchel, she pressed a five-dollar piece into his hand.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

I found her fumbling at the wall of the after bulkhead, and, half leading her, half carrying her, I took her up the companion-way.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)

"I shall say I didn't know you, for you look so grown-up and unlike yourself, I'm quite afraid of you," he said, fumbling at his glove button.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

“By Heaven, it is my orders!” cried Nelson, snatching it up and fumbling with it in his awkward, one-handed attempt to break the seals.

(Rodney Stone, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

He only said: "You shall see," and again fumbling in his bag, took out a tiny fret-saw.

(Dracula, by Bram Stoker)

Martin stood aside and let them pass, fumbling unconsciously in his coat pocket for the tobacco and brown papers that were not there.

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

"What do you like to talk about?" she asked, fumbling over the cards and dropping half as she tried to tie them up.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

A few minutes later the mate came fumbling about in search of it, but I returned it privily to Leach next day.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)