Word
stuck
US/ˈstək/
UK/stˈʌk/
Definitions
01unable to move
A2 · Elementary
adj. fixed in one place and unable to be moved or pulled away.
adj. physically fixed or wedged in a particular position so that movement is impossible.
“The drawer is stuck and I cannot pull it open no matter how hard I try.”
“The ring became stuck on her finger after the long flight, likely due to the cabin pressure causing her hands to swell slightly.”
02unable to progress
B1 · Intermediate
adj. unable to continue doing something because it is too difficult or you do not have the answer.
adj. unable to proceed with a task or line of reasoning due to a lack of information or a mental block.
“I got stuck on the third question of the exam and wasted ten minutes.”
“The research team felt stuck after the initial data failed to support their hypothesis, forcing them to reconsider their entire methodology.”
03trapped in a situation
B1 · Intermediate
adj. forced to stay in a place or situation that you do not like.
adj. compelled to remain in an unpleasant or restrictive situation with no obvious means of escape.
“We were stuck in traffic for three hours on the way to the airport.”
“He felt stuck in a dead-end job, unable to resign because of his mortgage but finding no satisfaction in his daily responsibilities.”
Etymology
Compare stoccado.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- 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
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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