What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fumble
Example
He fumbled the ball and lost the game. [fumbled: past tense]
Example
She fumbled with the lock, trying to open the door. [fumbled: verb]
Example
I fumbled my words during the presentation and lost my train of thought. [fumbled: past tense]
bungle
Example
He bungled the job and was fired. [bungled: past tense]
Example
She bungled the recipe and ruined the cake. [bungled: past tense]
Example
The team bungled the play and lost the game. [bungled: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fumble is more common than bungle in everyday language, especially in sports or physical activities. Bungle is less common and tends to be used in more formal or professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fumble and bungle?
Bungle is generally considered more formal and serious than fumble, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
