fumble
noun
Fumble — the sports term for clumsily losing control of the ball
Definition
(sports) dropping the ball
In depth
In sports, a fumble names the act of dropping the ball, particularly in football, where a ball carrier loses possession through clumsy or careless handling, often resulting in a significant, sometimes game-altering change of possession. The word extends naturally into figurative use, describing any clumsy or unsuccessful handling of an opportunity, situation, or responsibility.
Origin
The word descends from Middle Low German fummelen, to fumble or grope clumsily, part of a Germanic word family concerned with awkward, uncertain handling. That image of groping uncertainly, rather than acting with confident control, underlies both the literal sports sense and its broader figurative extension to any clumsily handled opportunity.
Usage examples
"The running back's fumble in the final minute cost his team what had seemed like a certain victory."
"She fumbled the question entirely, losing her composure in front of the watching cameras."
"His fumble of the negotiation's final stage undid weeks of otherwise careful, patient progress."
How to use it
Fumble works naturally across literal sports description and broader figurative use describing any clumsy mishandling of an opportunity or responsibility, particularly common in business and political writing about lost chances.
Related concepts
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