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Meaning of foundering
The primary meaning of the word "foundering" is to sink or fall to the bottom of a body of water, or to fail or collapse.
Etymology of foundering
The word "foundering" comes from the Old English word "fundian", which means "to sink" or "to drown"
The word has been in use since the 14th century, initially referring to the act of sinking or drowning, and later expanding to include figurative meanings related to failure or collapse
Synonyms
failing
struggling
sinking
collapsing
crumbling
deteriorating
declining
weakening
faltering
floundering
stumbling
plummeting
nose-diving
free-falling
careening
veering
wavering
teetering
tottering
staggering
reeling
crumbling
disintegrating
fragmenting
splintering
shattering
cracking
breaking
foundering
sinking
capsizing
Definitions
- To sink or fall to the bottom of a body of water, typically as a result of being damaged or overloaded
- To fail or collapse, typically due to a lack of support or resources
- To become disabled or unable to function, typically due to a physical or mental impairment
Usage Examples
- The ship was foundering in the stormy sea, taking on water faster than the crew could bail it out
- The company was foundering under the weight of its debt, and was forced to file for bankruptcy
- The patient's health was foundering after the surgery, and the doctors were working to stabilize her condition