What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shambling
Example
The old man walked with a shambling gait. [shambling: adjective]
Example
She tried to run, but her shambling steps made it difficult. [shambling: noun]
shuffling
Example
He shuffled his feet as he walked down the hallway. [shuffled: verb]
Example
She gave a shuffling response when asked about her whereabouts. [shuffling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Shuffling is more commonly used than shambling in everyday language. Shuffling is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shambling is less common and has a more negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shambling and shuffling?
Both shambling and shuffling are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts.
