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Stuck vs. Struck: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on October 11, 2023
"Stuck" is the past participle of "stick" and often refers to being in a fixed position, while "struck" is the past tense of "strike" and means to hit or impact something.

Key Differences

"Stuck" primarily serves as the past participle of the verb "stick". It can describe something that has adhered to another object or a situation in which movement is restricted. For example, a piece of tape that adheres to a surface is "stuck", or a person unable to leave a room might say they are "stuck".
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
In contrast, "struck" is the simple past tense and past participle of the verb "strike". It relates to the act of hitting, impacting, or coming into sudden contact with something. For instance, if someone hits a drum, they have "struck" it, or lightning may have "struck" a tree.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
"Stuck" can also portray being in an undesirable situation or a difficult position from which it's hard to extricate oneself. Someone might feel "stuck" in a boring job, suggesting they feel trapped or unfulfilled by their current occupation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023
Conversely, "struck" can convey the idea of being profoundly affected or impressed by something. Someone can be "struck" by a brilliant idea or "struck" by the beauty of a sunset, indicating a deep emotional or cognitive response.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023
In essence, while both "stuck" and "struck" deal with interactions, "stuck" often denotes a static condition or situation, while "struck" highlights an action or a strong reaction to something.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Grammatical Form

Past participle of "stick"
Past tense and past participle of "strike"
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023

Typical Usage

Describes being in a fixed position
Describes the act of hitting
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023

Emotional Connotation

Feeling trapped or restricted
Being profoundly affected or impressed
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023

Situational Context

Being unable to move or progress
A sudden or impactful event
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023

Nature

Static or restrictive condition
Dynamic action or deep reaction
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023
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Stuck and Struck Definitions

Stuck

In a difficult or problematic situation.
She felt stuck in her current job and yearned for a change.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023

Struck

Hit or impacted forcefully.
The ball struck the window.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023

Stuck

Adhered to a surface or object.
The label stuck to the box.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023

Struck

Affected or impressed deeply.
I was struck by his eloquence during the speech.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023

Stuck

Puzzled or uncertain about something.
I'm stuck on this math problem and need some help.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023
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Struck

Created an impression or effect.
The news struck fear into everyone's hearts.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023

Stuck

Past tense and past participle of stick.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 25, 2023

Struck

Chose or adopted a particular method or approach.
He struck a deal with the competitor.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023

Stuck

Unable to move.
Can you shift this gate? I think it’s stuck.
If you’ve had to battle a stuck zipper, you know how frustrating it can be.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 25, 2023

Struck

Came into sudden contact.
Her head struck the door as she entered.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023

Stuck

Unable to progress with a task.
I’m totally stuck on this question in the test.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 25, 2023

Struck

Past tense and a past participle of strike.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 25, 2023

Stuck

Unable to progress or develop.
The negotiations were stuck due to disagreements.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023

Struck

Simple past tense and past participle of strike
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 25, 2023

Stuck

No longer functioning, frozen up, frozen.
There are several ways to close a stuck program.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 25, 2023

Struck

Affected or shut down by a labor strike.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 25, 2023

Stuck

In the situation of having no money.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 25, 2023

Struck

(used in combination) affected by something overwhelming;
Conscience-smitten
Awe-struck
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 25, 2023

Stuck

(obsolete) A thrust.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 25, 2023

Stuck

A thrust.
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 25, 2023

Stuck

Caught or fixed;
Stuck in the mud
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 25, 2023

Stuck

Baffled;
This problem has me completely stuck
Sawaira Riaz
Feb 25, 2023

Stuck

Unable to move or be moved.
The car's wheels were stuck in the mud.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023

FAQs

Can "stuck" refer to emotional situations?

Yes, someone can feel "stuck" in a relationship or job, indicating dissatisfaction.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023

What does "stuck" commonly imply?

"Stuck" often suggests being in a fixed or unmovable position or situation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023

Is "stuck" always negative?

Not always, context is key. For instance, "stuck" can simply mean adhered to a surface.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023

How does "struck gold" relate to the word "struck"?

"Struck gold" is an idiom meaning someone has found or discovered something valuable or beneficial.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023

Can "stuck" indicate a temporary condition?

Yes, someone might be "stuck" in traffic, implying a temporary delay.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023

What does it mean when someone is "struck" by beauty?

It means they're deeply impressed or affected by the beauty they witnessed.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023

What does "struck out" mean in baseball?

It means the batter received three strikes and is out for that turn.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023

What does "struck a chord" mean?

It's an idiom meaning something resonated or had a meaningful impact on someone.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023

How is "struck" typically used in a sentence?

"Struck" describes the act of hitting or being deeply affected by something.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023

Is "struck down" a legal term?

Yes, it means to invalidate or nullify, often used in the context of laws or regulations.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 11, 2023

Can "stuck" describe a feeling of confusion?

Yes, if someone doesn't understand something, they might say they're "stuck".
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023

Can "stuck" refer to objects?

Yes, like when a piece of paper is "stuck" to a wall with tape.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023

Is "struck" used in music terminology?

Yes, when you hit a musical instrument, like a drum or piano key, it's "struck".
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023

Is "being stuck" always permanent?

No, "being stuck" can be temporary or long-term, depending on the context.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023

What's the difference between "stuck on" and "struck on"?

"Stuck on" can mean fixated or adhered to something, while "struck on" isn't a common phrase.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 11, 2023

How is "struck" used in the context of a clock?

A clock "strikes" an hour when it sounds the hour with chimes or bells.
Sara Rehman
Oct 11, 2023

Can "struck" refer to inspiration?

Yes, someone can be "struck" with a brilliant idea.
Harlon Moss
Oct 11, 2023

Can "stuck" refer to an inability to think?

Yes, someone might say they're "stuck" when they can't think of an answer.
Janet White
Oct 11, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

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