Word
tumbling
Phoneticstum·bling
US/ˈtəmbəɫɪŋ/
UK/tˈʌmblɪŋ/
Definition
adj. falling down quickly and without control. You use this to describe something that is rolling or dropping in a messy way.
adj. falling or rolling in a sudden, uncontrolled, or disorderly manner. Often used to describe physical objects, financial values, or acrobatic movements.
Examples
“The tumbling rocks blocked the mountain road.”
“Investors watched the tumbling stock prices with growing concern as the market opened on Monday morning.”
“A tumbling stream of clear water cascaded over the jagged rocks, creating a mist that cooled the air in the narrow canyon below.”
Examples
simple
“The tumbling rocks blocked the mountain road.”
contextual
“Investors watched the tumbling stock prices with growing concern as the market opened on Monday morning.”
complex
“A tumbling stream of clear water cascaded over the jagged rocks, creating a mist that cooled the air in the narrow canyon below.”
Usage
Often used as a participial adjective before a noun to describe a state of continuous or sudden descent.
Real-World Examples
“After Anthony Gordon went tumbling in the penalty area, the hosts launched a rapid counterattack through Rafael Leão on the left.” “The next moment is a blur – I was probably being careless – but suddenly my phone was not in my hand but, in fact, tumbling out in front of me.” “One moment he was jammed against the metal underwater structure they had been working on and then he was tumbling backwards towards the ocean floor.” “When choosing a spot to pitch your tent, pay attention to signs marking areas where tumbling boulders land.” Word family
VERB
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.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
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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