Word
stumped
US/ˈstəmpt/
UK/stˈʌmpt/
Definition
v. feeling completely confused or unable to find an answer. You use this when you are stuck on a problem and cannot move forward.
v. feeling completely baffled or unable to solve a problem. Often used in the passive voice to indicate a state of confusion.
Examples
“I am completely stumped by this math problem.”
“The detective was stumped by the lack of evidence and had to start the investigation from scratch.”
“Even the most experienced engineers were stumped by the sudden failure of the software, as the error logs provided no clear indication of the underlying cause.”
Examples
simple
“I am completely stumped by this math problem.”
contextual
“The detective was stumped by the lack of evidence and had to start the investigation from scratch.”
complex
“Even the most experienced engineers were stumped by the sudden failure of the software, as the error logs provided no clear indication of the underlying cause.”
Real-World Examples
“In early September, OpenAI announced it had solved a major mathematics problem that has stumped humans for nearly a century.” - 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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