Language Research

stuck · adjective never before noun

/stʌk/Full view

Word family

Nouns: sticker

Adjectives: sticky, stuck, unstuck

Verbs: stick

stuck (NOT MOVE)

B2 not able to move anywhere

Dictionary examples:

This door seems to be stuck - can you help me push it open?

My key got stuck in the lock.

Seven of us were stuck in the lift for over an hour.

I hate being stuck behind a desk - I'd rather work outside.

Learner example:

You want to go to your job, to an important appoi[n]tment or to the hospital because you have a health problem and you are always stuck in traffic. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

stuck (NOT CONTINUE)

C1 not able to continue reading, answering questions, etc. because something is too difficult

Dictionary example:

I keep getting stuck on difficult words.

Learner example:

I have got stuck so many times. However, whenever I got stuck, I [said] to myself that nobody could speak a foreign language fluently from the beginning. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Japanese)

be/get stuck with sb/sth

C2 to have to deal with someone or something unpleasant because no one else wants to

Dictionary example:

Whenever we eat out, I always get stuck with the bill.

Learner example:

Therefore you are stuck with "aunt Mabel" having fun while pulling your leg. What you mus[t]n't do in this sort of situation is lose your temper. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Portuguese)