flotsam

[ˈflɒtsəm]

flotsam Definition

• 1. the wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on or washed up by the sea
• 2. people or things that have been rejected and are regarded as worthless

Using flotsam: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "flotsam" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The beach was littered with flotsam after the storm.

• Example

  The company was forced to sell off its flotsam to stay afloat.

• Example

  The museum's collection includes flotsam from various shipwrecks.

flotsam Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for flotsam

• debris
• ruins
• scrap
• wreckage
• remains

Antonyms for flotsam

• treasure
• valuables

Phrases with flotsam

• flotsam and jetsam

  a miscellaneous or random collection of things

  Example

  The attic was filled with flotsam and jetsam, including old toys, books, and clothes.

• political flotsam

  politicians who have lost their power or influence

  Example

  The former president was now just political flotsam, with no real impact on the country's politics.

• emotional flotsam

  unresolved emotional issues or baggage

  Example

  After the divorce, she was left with a lot of emotional flotsam that she needed to work through.

Origins of flotsam

from Old French 'floter', meaning 'to float'

📌

Summary: flotsam in Brief

'Flotsam' [ˈflɒtsəm] refers to the wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on or washed up by the sea, as well as people or things that have been rejected and are regarded as worthless. It is often used in phrases like 'flotsam and jetsam,' denoting a miscellaneous collection of things, and 'political flotsam,' referring to politicians who have lost their power or influence.