To handle something clumsily or inefficiently, often resulting in a mistake or failure. He fumbled the keys and dropped them on the ground.
To fail to catch or hold a ball properly in sports, especially in football. The receiver fumbled the ball during the crucial play.
To proceed awkwardly or ineffectively; to make a mistake or error. She fumbled through her presentation, forgetting key points.
To search for or handle something blindly or uncertainly with the hands. She fumbled in her purse for her phone in the dark.