˜yÐÄvlog

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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: , ,

  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) flounder, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) flounders.
  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

/ ˈ´Ú±ô²¹ÊŠ²Ô»åÉ™ /

verb

  1. to struggle; to move with difficulty, as in mud
  2. to behave awkwardly; make mistakes
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged†2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. the act of floundering
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged†2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

flounder

2

/ ˈ´Ú±ô²¹ÊŠ²Ô»åÉ™ /

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)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged†2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Usage

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

The Trump administration has now imposed tariffs of 30% on all South African imports, in a move that is likely to be a huge blow to its already floundering economy.

From

And it was on the back nine at Augusta - where so many Masters dreams have flourished and floundered - that Woad managed to keep her nerve.

From

It is equally rewarding seeing Liz flounder as she gets more and more out of her depth.

From

As these agencies flounder, turning their lands over to private administration — to timber, mineral and oil extraction or to private ownership and development — will begin to seem logical and even appealing.

From

The Democrats are floundering in their search for a new message.

From

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