sputtering

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Still, the oil market is sputtering, and prices are high, but not stratospheric — yet, said Michael Lynch, president of Strategic Energy & Economic Research, an energy-market consulting firm.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026

But what’s extra notable about the sputtering tech partnerships of the 2020s is how baldly they smack of desperation.

From Slate • Apr. 16, 2026

Nike’s NKE -3.50%decrease; red down pointing triangle chief innovation officer is leaving the sneaker company after less than a year in the job, the company said, amid signs that its turnaround efforts are sputtering.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

With the June primary looming, Villaraigosa’s campaign risks sputtering out.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

After perhaps five minutes, I heard the churning metallic sound of the starter, and the sputtering of the engine, muffled because it was inside the barn.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien