Definition of stuck
Short definition: The word stuck means being unable to move forward or change what is happening, whether you are physically trapped in one place or mentally caught in a problem, feeling unsure how to continue and wishing you could find a simple way out.
Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word stuck? The word stuck is often used when something cannot move, but it is also very common when talking about feelings, problems, or difficult situations. People say they feel stuck when life feels slow, confusing, or hard to change. Because of this, stuck is both a physical word and an emotional one in daily conversation. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, so it feels real, human, and easy to understand.
Forms: stick, sticks, stuck, sticking
Related: stuck adj., sticky adj.
Syllable: stuck
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(Adjective) Unable to move or get free, like something is physically trapped and cannot go anywhere.
When something is stuck, it cannot move from its place. A door can be stuck, a car can be stuck in traffic, or a zipper can be stuck halfway. This is the most literal and physical meaning of the word.
The door is stuck and won’t open.Our car got stuck in the mud.The drawer is stuck again.Synonyms: trapped, jammed, blocked, caught, fixed in place, wedged, unable to move, held tight, locked, frozen, stuck fast, pinned
Antonyms: free, loose, moving, open, released, unlocked, flexible, mobile, clear, unblocked, flowing, free-moving -
(Adjective) Feeling unable to move forward in life, work, or personal growth.
People often say they feel stuck when life feels the same every day. They may want change, but don’t know how to start. In this sense, stuck is about emotions, motivation, and feeling trapped by circumstances.
She feels stuck in the same routine.He feels stuck in his job.They feel stuck and don’t know what to do next.Synonyms: trapped, lost, unsure, held back, unable to move on, in a rut, going nowhere, blocked emotionally, feeling trapped, stuck in place, not progressing, feeling frozen
Antonyms: moving forward, free, motivated, inspired, progressing, growing, advancing, changing, improving, exploring, developing, evolving -
(Adjective) Being in a situation you cannot easily leave or escape from.
Sometimes stuck means you are in a situation you cannot get out of easily. You might be stuck in traffic, stuck at home because of rain, or stuck in a long meeting. This meaning mixes physical and situational ideas.
We are stuck in traffic again.I’m stuck at the office late tonight.They were stuck inside because of the storm.Synonyms: delayed, trapped, unable to leave, held up, stuck in place, forced to stay, tied down, caught somewhere, blocked in, held back, stuck there, unable to go
Antonyms: free to go, able to leave, moving, on the way, released, unheld, traveling, flexible, mobile, free-moving, able to escape, gone -
(Verb) To stay in someone’s mind, meaning a thought or feeling does not go away easily.
Stuck can also describe something that stays in your head. A song can get stuck in your mind, or a memory can stay with you for years. This meaning is about mental and emotional attachment.
That song is stuck in my head.His words got stuck in her mind.The image stayed stuck with him all day.Synonyms: stay in mind, remain, linger, not go away, stay with you, repeat in your head, keep playing, echo, stick around, stay remembered, hold on, replay
Antonyms: forget, disappear, fade, vanish, go away, be lost, slip away, leave the mind, clear out, be forgotten, move on, drop away -
(Adjective) Being unable to decide or move forward because you feel confused or unsure.
Sometimes people say they are stuck when they cannot make a decision. They may feel unsure which choice is right, so they stay in the same place. This meaning is about mental blocks and hesitation.
I’m stuck between two choices.She feels stuck and can’t decide.He got stuck and stopped trying.Synonyms: undecided, confused, unsure, blocked, frozen, hesitant, stuck in thought, unable to choose, mentally trapped, caught in doubt, unsure how to move, stuck mentally
Antonyms: decided, confident, clear, sure, determined, focused, moving forward, resolved, certain, ready, bold, confident-minded