sunken

[suhng-kuhn]

adjective

1. having sunk or been sunk beneath the surface; submerged.

2. having settled to a lower level, as walls.

3. situated or lying on a lower level.

   a sunken living room.

4. hollow; depressed.

   sunken cheeks.

verb

1. Obsolete.,  a past participle of sink.

sunken

/ ˈsʌŋkən /

verb

1. a past participle of sink

adjective

1. unhealthily hollow

   sunken cheeks

2. situated at a lower level than the surrounding or usual one

3. situated under water; submerged

4. depressed; low

   sunken spirits

Other Word Forms

• half-sunken adjective
• unsunken adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sunken¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, past participle of sinken to sink

Example Sentences

With implausibly identical language, they testified that they had heard her speak of sunken Allied ships after a naval battle in October 1944:

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His face is sunken, but his deep blue eyes glint with dark malice.

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No attempt to learn anything about the ancient sunken ship or the way of life onboard had been made.

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One of their “light touch” moves included removing planters in the sunken garden area out front so more people can eventually sit out there once the planned restaurant goes in, Herzog said.

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A new sunken firepit was installed low to complement the house.

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