foundering

/ˈfaʊndərɪŋ/
adjective
  1. Sinking or filling with water, as a ship.
    • Waves crashed over the foundering boat as it slowly disappeared beneath the surface.
    • The foundering ship sent out a distress signal before it went under.
    • The coast guard rescued the crew from the foundering vessel just in time.
  2. Failing or collapsing; in a state of decline or ruin.
    • The foundering marriage could not be repaired despite months of counseling.
    • The foundering economy left many people without jobs.
    • They tried to save the foundering company by cutting costs and finding new investors.
noun
  1. The act of sinking or failing.
    • The foundering of the business was a slow and painful process.
    • The foundering of the peace process led to renewed conflict.
    • The foundering of the ship was caused by a massive leak in the hull.
What does "foundering" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean