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.

Within a year, Haggen had foundered and was forced to close or sell most of the stores — many of which were reacquired by Albertsons, according to the lawsuit.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 26, 2024

For three months the group struggled, holed up in the shell of a rusting Japanese fishing vessel that had foundered on the reefs two years earlier.

From Slate • May 21, 2022

By the mid-nineties, Trump’s investment prospects had foundered.

From The New Yorker • Apr. 23, 2017

When Lucas attempts a jocularly posh accent, Karyn observes, "His attempt at an across-the-pond accent had foundered somewhere around Bermuda."

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2016

He had foundered in school after teachers told him he had no head for figures.

From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson