flounder

¹

[ floun-der ]

verb (used without object)

1. to struggle with stumbling or plunging movements (usually followed by about, along, on, through, etc.):

   He saw the child floundering about in the water.

2. to struggle clumsily or helplessly:

   He floundered helplessly on the first day of his new job.

   Synonyms: muddle, waver, falter

3. to be in imminent danger of failure:

   The negotiations floundered primarily on the question of extending regional autonomy.

flounder

²

[ floun-der ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) floun·der, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) floun·ders.

1. a European, marine flatfish, Platichthys flesus, used for food.
2. any of numerous similar or closely related non-European flatfishes.
3. any flatfish other than soles.

flounder

¹

/ ˈflaʊndə /

verb

1. to struggle; to move with difficulty, as in mud
2. to behave awkwardly; make mistakes

noun

1. the act of floundering

flounder

²

/ ˈflaʊndə /

noun

1. Also calledfluke a European flatfish, Platichthys flesus having a greyish-brown body covered with prickly scales: family Pleuronectidae : an important food fish
2. any flatfish of the families Bothidae (turbot, etc) and Pleuronectidae (plaice, halibut, sand dab, etc)

Usage

Flounder is sometimes wrongly used where founder is meant: the project foundered (not floundered ) because of a lack of funds

Word History and Origins

Origin of flounder¹

First recorded in 1570–80; perhaps blend of flounce ¹ and founder ²

Origin of flounder²

1400–50; late Middle English < Anglo-French floundre < Scandinavian; compare Norwegian flundra

Word History and Origins

Origin of flounder¹

C16: probably a blend of founder ² + blunder ; perhaps influenced by flounder ²

Origin of flounder²

C14: probably of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse flythra , Norwegian flundra

Example Sentences

“We were floundering. We needed help as well. We gave her the medication and it was constantly being changed. It wasn’t working,” Ann said.

From BBC

Bridget Jones went straight to many women's hearts in the 1990s, but some think the floundering and flawed heroine, who's fixated with her weight and relationship status, is not the best role model.

From BBC

As England floundered, Smith scratched around in the early part of his innings.

From BBC

But somehow — because it’s so wonderfully written — it does, landing with affection and grace within a depiction of a few floundering, turbulent days.

From Los Angeles Times

The Galaxy won the MLS Cup that season but quickly floundered while Chivas USA never did catch on.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flop
• stumble
• wallow