to step awkwardly while walking or running and fall or begin to fall
He stumbled as he ran through the puddle.
She stumbled over a root in the dark forest, nearly losing her balance.
The toddler learned to walk but still tended to stumble when taking unsteady steps.
Trying to navigate the rocky terrain, he couldn't help but stumble on the uneven ground.
The speaker stumbled over words during the presentation, causing a momentary pause.
