- 1[intransitive] to have a lot of problems and to be in danger of failing completely At that time the industry was floundering. The new democracy there continues to flounder.
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- 2[intransitive] (+ adv./prep.) to struggle to move or get somewhere in water, mud, etc. She was floundering around in the deep end of the swimming pool. A man came floundering through the snow toward us.
- 3[intransitive] to struggle to know what to say or do or how to continue with something His abrupt change of subject left her floundering helplessly.
flounder
verbNAmE//ˈflaʊndər//
Verb Forms present simple I / you / we / they flounder he / she / it flounders
past simple floundered
-ing form floundering
Check pronunciation: flounder