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floundering - 2 dictionary results

floun⋅der

1  [floun-der]
Use floundering in a Sentence
–verb (used without object)
1. to struggle with stumbling or plunging movements (usually fol. 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.
Origin:
1570–80; perh. b. flounce 1 and founder 2

Related forms:
floun⋅der⋅ing⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
2. falter, waver, muddle.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To floundering
floun·der 1   (floun'dər)   
intr.v.   floun·dered, floun·der·ing, floun·ders
  1. To make clumsy attempts to move or regain one's balance.
  2. To move or act clumsily and in confusion. See Synonyms at blunder. See Usage Note at founder1.
n.  The act of floundering.

[Probably alteration of founder1.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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