Word
bumpy
US/ˈbəmpi/
UK/bˈʌmpi/
Definition
adj. having a surface that is not smooth or flat. You use this to describe a road or a ride that makes you bounce up and down.
adj. characterised by an uneven surface or frequent jolts. Often describes physical terrain or the quality of motion during travel.
Examples
“The car bounced along the bumpy dirt road.”
“The flight was quite bumpy because of the strong winds over the mountains.”
“After years of neglect, the once-smooth asphalt had become so bumpy that local residents petitioned the city council for urgent repairs to prevent damage to their vehicles.”
Examples
simple
“The car bounced along the bumpy dirt road.”
contextual
“The flight was quite bumpy because of the strong winds over the mountains.”
complex
“After years of neglect, the once-smooth asphalt had become so bumpy that local residents petitioned the city council for urgent repairs to prevent damage to their vehicles.”
Usage
Commonly used both literally for surfaces and figuratively to describe a difficult process or period of time.
Etymology
From bump + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/bumpy