flounder
verb (used without object)
to struggle with stumbling or plunging movements (usually followed by about, along, on, through, etc.).
floundered
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past participleof flounder.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof flounder.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
flounderverb (used without object)to struggle with stumbling or plunging movements (usually followed by about, along, on, through, etc.).
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While Ferrari, the pre-race favourites, floundered and made, in the words of their team boss Frederic Vasseur "too many mistakes", Norris and McLaren were almost perfect.
From BBC ● Jul. 26, 2026
The U.S. took a 9.9% equity stake in Intel last summer as it floundered.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 5, 2026
The Bucks floundered without him and the coach paid the price.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 13, 2026
Borthwick, whose side have floundered in defeats by Scotland and Ireland in the past two rounds of the Six Nations, said the pressure that comes with being an England coach is a constant.
From BBC ● Mar. 3, 2026
The special floundered, not knowing what to do; a variety of mute expressions crossed his face and then, turning, he shuffled out of the apartment, leaving Rick alone.
From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick
