What does stuck mean?
Stuck describes something that cannot move, cannot make progress, or remains firmly attached to another surface. Its literal sense covers vehicles trapped in mud, doors jammed in their frames, and objects fixed in place. Figuratively, it is used for problems that seem difficult to resolve, conversations or activities that have reached a dead end, and people who feel trapped in an awkward or limiting situation. The phrase “get stuck” is especially common, while expressions such as “stuck in traffic” and “stuck on a question” illustrate its literal and figurative uses. “Stuck” is also the past tense and past participle of “stick,” so a sentence such as “The label was stuck to the bottle” describes the result of attaching it. Overall, the word conveys obstruction, immobility, or an inability to proceed, with a broader emotional sense of feeling confined or frustrated.
Unable to move or make progress because of an obstruction, difficulty, or attachment; fixed or trapped in place.
"We remained stuck behind a slow-moving lorry for nearly an hour."
Also used figuratively for a person or situation that feels confined, frustrating, or unable to progress.
The past tense and past participle of “stick,” used to describe attaching or becoming attached to something.
"A small piece of tape was stuck to the edge of the page."
In this form, it normally appears as the past tense or past participle of “stick,” not as an independent infinitive.
In a fixed or obstructed position; unable to move.
"The wheels got stuck in the snow."
This is an informal and usually slightly clipped use, especially in the expression “get stuck.”
From the past participle of “stick,” the word has evolved from a physical condition into a vivid description of everything from a jammed door to a difficult decision.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does stuck come from?
The modern form comes from “stick,” whose Old English ancestor was stic, meaning a twig or a pointed object. The past-participle form “stuck” developed with a final consonant, following the consonant doubling used in Middle English participles. “Sticky,” formed from the same root, is a modern relative of the word.
How stuck is actually used
The adjective is very common in both formal and informal English. “Stuck” can describe a literal obstruction, a figurative lack of progress, or an awkward social or practical predicament; the last sense is often informal.
Easily confused with stuck
Stuck describes the resulting condition of being unable to move or progress, while sticking refers to the act of attaching or to something designed to adhere.
Stuck means fixed or unable to move, whereas stiff describes reduced flexibility or difficulty bending.