bumpy

/ˈbʌmpi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈbʌmpi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbəm-pē/ (ame, mw)

bumpy — adjective

1. having an uneven surface with many small raised or rough parts

1.形容詞B1
釋義

having an uneven surface with many small raised or rough parts

例句

The farm road was bumpy after last night's heavy rain.

common with roads and paths

Yusuf ran his hand over the bumpy wall where paint had dried in lumps.

同義詞
  • rough

    is broader and can describe a harsh feel even without many small raised parts.

  • uneven

    focuses on one part being higher or lower than another.

  • lumpy

    usually suggests larger rounded parts, often in soft material.

反義詞
  • smooth

    describes a flat surface without rough raised parts.

  • flat

    stresses level shape more than surface feel.

文法句型

a bumpy road

bumpy skin

the wall is bumpy

become bumpy

用法筆記

Often used for surfaces, skin, walls, and objects you can touch. Distinguish from adjective/2, which describes the shaking movement caused by an uneven surface.

常見錯誤

❌The road was bumping after the rain.
✅The road was bumpy after the rain.
💡use bumpy as the adjective for a surface with many small rises.
❌The meeting was bumpy because the table was old.
✅The table was bumpy because the wood was old.
💡adjective/1 describes a rough surface, not a difficult situation.

2. shaking with repeated sudden movements that make travel uncomfortable

2.形容詞B2
釋義

shaking with repeated sudden movements that make travel uncomfortable

例句

Our jeep ride turned bumpy as we climbed the mountain track.

pattern: turn bumpy during travel

The flight grew bumpy over the sea, so Bao held the armrest.

同義詞
  • rough

    is the nearest everyday word for a ride that shakes a lot.

  • jolting

    more strongly emphasizes sudden sharp movements.

  • shaky

    can describe repeated movement, but it is broader and less tied to travel.

反義詞
  • smooth

    describes travel with little shaking.

  • steady

    stresses even movement without sudden jumps.

文法句型

a bumpy ride

a bumpy flight

the journey was bumpy

the trip became bumpy

用法筆記

Usually describes rides, flights, crossings, or other journeys that shake a lot. Often follows verbs like become, get, grow, or turn. Distinguish from adjective/1, which describes the surface itself.

常見錯誤

❌The plane was bumpy because it had little bumps on it.
✅The flight was bumpy because the air made it shake.
💡adjective/2 is about the moving experience, not the outer surface.
❌We had a bumpy sleep on the sofa.
✅We had an uncomfortable sleep on the sofa.
💡this sense is mainly used for travel or movement.

3. having many setbacks or awkward moments instead of going easily

3.形容詞C1
釋義

having many setbacks or awkward moments instead of going easily

例句

Their first year in business was bumpy, but the shop survived.

common for periods, starts, and relationships

Talks between the two clubs stayed bumpy after the coach resigned.

同義詞
  • rocky

    is a common figurative alternative for a difficult beginning or relationship.

  • uneven

    can describe progress that is not steady, but it sounds less vivid.

  • troubled

    suggests more serious or lasting problems.

反義詞
  • smooth

    describes progress with few problems.

  • easy

    suggests little effort or trouble.

文法句型

a bumpy start

a bumpy first year

things were bumpy

the process stayed bumpy

用法筆記

Common with start, period, relationship, or process when progress is uneven and problems keep appearing. Distinguish from adjective/2, which is about physical shaking during travel.

常見錯誤

❌Our move to Taipei was bumpily at first.
✅Our move to Taipei was bumpy at first.
💡use bumpy as the adjective after 'be'.
❌The new road project was bumpy because the street had holes.
✅The new road project was bumpy because permits arrived late.
💡adjective/3 describes a difficult process, not an uneven surface.