sunken
Americanadjective
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having sunk or been sunk beneath the surface; submerged.
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having settled to a lower level, as walls.
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situated or lying on a lower level.
a sunken living room.
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hollow; depressed.
sunken cheeks.
verb
verb
adjective
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unhealthily hollow
sunken cheeks
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situated at a lower level than the surrounding or usual one
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situated under water; submerged
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depressed; low
sunken spirits
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sunken
First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, past participle of sinken to sink
Explanation
If something is sunken, it's caved in, inwardly curved, or under water. If a pirate talks about sunken treasure, he probably means that the treasure chest in a ship that's at the bottom of the ocean. If a realtor is describing a house's sunken living room, she's talking about a room that sits lower than surrounding rooms do. A sunken garden is situated lower and deeper than the rest of your yard. Sunken eyes can be caused by age, exhaustion, or dehydration. The adjective sunken is formed from the past participle of the verb sink, "go under."
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.
He was cradled in her arms - his eyes wide and his cheeks sunken.
From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2026
Now white haired with a neatly trimmed beard and sunken cheeks, Bakker’s once upbeat delivery and playful repartee with guests had been replaced by a grim figure.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 6, 2026
Ultimately, they decided the mission was too difficult and recommended the wreck be designated a cemetery—like many other sunken World War II-era ships.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 30, 2026
Nearby, 65-year-old Juana Alfonzo still moves around her home, even though the floor is sunken and cracked, and the columns show visible damage.
From Barron's ● Jul. 8, 2026
He had removed his glasses and looked more vulnerable with his eyes sunken deep in his face.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
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