verb
flounder
FLOUN-der/ˈflaʊndər/
To struggle awkwardly or without making progress.
The woman flounders in sticky mud as one boot remains trapped.
Etymology
Origin uncertain. The struggling verb is distinct from the fish-name; resemblance alone does not establish a derivation.
In context
Why do so many of us flounder when we're trying to recover from heartbreak? Why do the same coping mechanisms that get us through all kinds of life challenges fail us so miserably when our heart gets broken?
More examples
- Without clear instructions, the new employees flounder through the task.
- She floundered when the interviewer asked about her weaknesses.
- The business is floundering despite a steady stream of customers.
Forms
flounder · flounders · floundered · floundering