Sunken Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🚢

Add to dictionary

sunken

[ˈsʌŋkən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

shipwreck

Having sunk below the surface of the water; submerged.

Synonyms

submerged, submerged, submerged.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sunken	This word is often used to describe something that has sunk below the surface, typically of the ground or a body of water. It can carry a negative connotation when referring to something that appears worn out or collapsed. The ship lay sunken at the bottom of the ocean. He had sunken cheeks due to illness.
submerged	This word describes something that is completely covered by water or another liquid. It also can be used metaphorically to describe a situation or feeling that is overwhelming or hidden. The village was submerged after the heavy rains. She felt submerged by her responsibilities at work.

Word

Description / Examples

sunken

This word is often used to describe something that has sunk below the surface, typically of the ground or a body of water. It can carry a negative connotation when referring to something that appears worn out or collapsed.

The ship lay sunken at the bottom of the ocean.
He had sunken cheeks due to illness.

submerged

This word describes something that is completely covered by water or another liquid. It also can be used metaphorically to describe a situation or feeling that is overwhelming or hidden.

The village was submerged after the heavy rains.
She felt submerged by her responsibilities at work.

Examples of usage

The divers explored the sunken ship at the bottom of the ocean.
The sunken treasure was finally discovered after years of searching.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

feeling

Depressed, having low spirits or morale.

Synonyms

depressed, low-spirited, morose.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sunken	Appears twice; see first entry for context and examples. Duplicated entry; refer to the first 'sunken' entry for context and examples.
depressed	Refers to a state of severe emotional and psychological distress. Often used in medical or serious conversations. Can also refer to low economic conditions. She has been feeling depressed since the loss of her job. The region has been economically depressed for years.
low-spirited	Describes a temporary state of sadness or lack of enthusiasm. It is less intense than 'depressed' and can be used in everyday conversation. He's been a bit low-spirited ever since he missed that opportunity. Watching a sad movie left her feeling low-spirited.
morose	Used to describe someone who is particularly sullen, gloomy, or ill-tempered. This word has a stronger negative connotation. His morose attitude ruined the party. She became morose after hearing the bad news.

Examples of usage

She felt sunken after receiving the bad news.
His sunken demeanor worried his friends.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

land

A hollow or depression in the ground, especially one caused by a collapse or subsidence.

Synonyms

depression, hollow, pit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sunken	Typically refers to something that has sunk below the surrounding area. Often used to describe physical features or objects that have dropped or are below the usual level. The sunken ship lay at the bottom of the ocean His eyes were sunken from lack of sleep
depression	Often means a dip or low spot in a surface. It can also refer to a mental health condition involving feelings of severe despondency and dejection. There's a small depression in the ground where the tree used to be She struggled with depression after losing her job
hollow	Describes an empty space inside something solid or a feeling that is empty and without emotion. Often used for cavities inside objects or negative emotional states. The tree had a hollow trunk After the argument, he felt a hollow feeling inside
pit	Usually refers to a deep hole or cavity in the ground, often naturally formed. It can also mean a large, usually unpleasant, or challenging situation. They found gold in a pit deep in the mountains He felt like he was in the pit of despair

Examples of usage

The old mine had many dangerous sunkens that needed to be filled.

Translations

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

Origin of 'sunken'

The word 'sunken' originates from the verb 'sink,' which has Old English and Germanic roots. The concept of something being sunken, whether physically or emotionally, has been a part of human experience for centuries. The imagery of sunken ships and treasure has captured the imagination of people throughout history, symbolizing mystery, loss, and discovery.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,817, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
13814 admixture
13815 rebuke
13816 latex
13817 sunken
13818 inductance
13819 signalling
13820 relinquished
...