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Floundering: meaning, definitions and examples

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floundering

 

[ˈflaʊndərɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

struggling situation

To flounder means to struggle clumsily or helplessly in water or in a difficult situation. It often describes a person who is in distress and unable to move forward effectively, whether in action or thought. The term might suggest a lack of control or direction, indicating that someone is battling against overwhelming circumstances. Floundering can also refer to confusion or uncertainty in decision-making, where one feels lost and unsure of the next steps to take.

Synonyms

falter, flail, struggle, wrestle.

Examples of usage

  • The swimmer started floundering when the waves became too strong.
  • During the meeting, he was floundering when asked about the project's status.
  • The company began floundering in a competitive market.
  • She was floundering in her studies after missing several classes.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Middle English 'floundren,' which means to flounder or stumble.
  • In its earliest form, it was related to the idea of moving awkwardly, similar to how a fish jumps out of water.

Psychology

  • People often flounder when faced with overwhelming choices, leading to decision paralysis.
  • In learning environments, students may flounder due to anxiety or lack of preparation for difficult tasks.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'floundering in life' has been popularized in various films and books, signifying personal struggle or confusion.
  • Songs often depict feelings of floundering to capture the emotional turmoil people experience during tough times.

Education

  • Educators can help students who are floundering by breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
  • Group projects often see members floundering when there is a lack of clear roles and responsibilities.

Literature

  • In literature, characters often flounder metaphorically when faced with moral dilemmas or uncertainty about their identity.
  • Classic novels depict protagonists floundering at key points to highlight their growth or transformation through adversity.

Translations

Translations of the word "floundering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 debater-se

🇮🇳 लड़खड़ाना

🇩🇪 torkeln

🇮🇩 terhuyung-huyung

🇺🇦 плутати

🇵🇱 potykać się

🇯🇵 よろめく

🇫🇷 tituber

🇪🇸 tambalearse

🇹🇷 sendelemek

🇰🇷 비틀거리다

🇸🇦 التعثر

🇨🇿 klopýtat

🇸🇰 zakopnúť

🇨🇳 蹒跚

🇸🇮 spotikati se

🇮🇸 hrasa

🇰🇿 тартқылау

🇬🇪 ბორგვა

🇦🇿 sürüşmək

🇲🇽 tambalearse

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,736, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.