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Foundered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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foundered

[ˈfaʊndərd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

business failure

Foundered refers to the state of a business or organization that has failed, typically due to a lack of financial stability or poor management. It conveys a sense of collapse and can also imply a failure in plans or projects.

Synonyms

collapsed, crashed, failed, floundered.

Examples of usage

  • The company foundered after years of mismanagement.
  • Their original plans for expansion foundered in the face of competition.
  • Many startups founder due to insufficient funding.
Context #2 | Verb

shipwreck

To founder can also mean to sink or capsize, particularly in reference to a ship or boat. It denotes a failure to stay afloat, often due to rough seas or structural issues.

Synonyms

capsize, sink, submerge.

Examples of usage

  • The vessel foundered during the storm.
  • They feared the ship would founder if the leaks weren't fixed.
  • Several boats foundered in the turbulent waters.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In maritime history, ships often foundered due to storms, leading to shipwrecks and loss of lives.
  • Many famous sea voyages, such as some of Columbus's, faced ships that foundered in treacherous waters.
  • The term was commonly used in the 17th and 18th centuries during the age of exploration, reflecting numerous maritime mishaps.

Literature

  • In literature, the concept of something foundering often symbolizes failure in personal ambitions or dreams.
  • Famous works often depict characters whose plans founder due to unforeseen circumstances, highlighting human struggles.
  • In Shakespeare’s plays, many characters face plans that founder, showing the unpredictability of life.

Science

  • In ecological studies, species can be said to have foundered if they fail to adapt and face extinction due to environmental changes.
  • Foundering can apply metaphorically in science when theories or experiments don’t go as expected and collapse.
  • The concept is often used in discussions about climate change, where proposed solutions foundered without proper implementation.

Pop Culture

  • Movies and TV shows often portray ventures that foundered, highlighting the human drama of failed projects.
  • The phrase 'the project foundered' has become common in business contexts, featured in news articles about failed startups.
  • Historical documentaries frequently mention ships that foundered, drawing attention to maritime disasters in popular media.

Origin of 'foundered'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'fonder', which means 'to sink' or 'to establish', showing dual meanings.
  • The sense of a ship sinking traces back to the Middle English 'foundrer', emphasizing the idea of downfall.
  • Modern usage evolved to include the failure of plans or ideas, extending beyond literal sinking.

The term 'founder' comes from the Middle English word 'foundren,' which is derived from the Old French 'fondre' meaning 'to melt, melt down' and the Latin 'fundere,' meaning 'to pour out.' Historically, it was associated with the concept of sinking or causing to sink. The use of 'founder' in the context of business failure emerged in the late 19th century, reflecting a broader understanding of failure beyond just physical sinking to include metaphorical loss or collapse. This evolution of meaning illustrates the term's adaptability in language as it transitioned from its original nautical implications to encompass financial and operational failures in various sectors.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,331, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.