flounder — to struggle awkwardly or clumsily; to have trouble doing something
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to struggle awkwardly or clumsily; to have trouble doing something
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈflaʊndər/
Example Sentences
- When asked about quantum physics, I completely floundered like a fish out of water.
- The student floundered through his presentation without any preparation.
- My cooking skills are so bad that I even flounder when making instant noodles.
flounder
VERB[/ˈflaʊndər/]
to struggle awkwardly or clumsily; to have trouble doing something

The new intern began to flounder during his first big client presentation.

The founder flounders with the sounder!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Dutch 'flounderen' or Scandinavian origins, possibly influenced by the Old Norse 'flundra' (a type of flatfish). The verb developed from the image of a fish struggling in water.
Breakdown
Likely from 'flounder' (the fish) + -er, or directly from Scandinavian root meaning to thrash about = flounder (to struggle clumsily)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When asked about quantum physics, I completely floundered like a fish out of water.”
“The student floundered through his presentation without any preparation.”
“My cooking skills are so bad that I even flounder when making instant noodles.”
“The company floundered in the competitive market.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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