sink or swim, sink your teeth into something, go down like a sinking ship

Formal and Informal Expressions of sinking

In different contexts, you can replace 'sinking' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'submergence, descent' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'going under, downhill' is a commonplace synonym.

sinking: Explore its Definition & Usage

sinking Definition

1the process or act of a ship, boat, or other watercraft filling with water and going below the surface of the water
2becoming lower in level, quality, or condition
3a feeling of sadness or despair

Using sinking: Examples

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

Example
The sinking of the Titanic is one of the most famous maritime disasters in history.
Example
The company's profits are sinking due to poor management.
Example
I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach when I heard the bad news.

sinking Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for sinking

Antonyms for sinking

Phrases with sinking

sink or swim
to either succeed or fail completely, without any middle ground
Example
The new employee was given a difficult task on his first day, but he had to sink or swim.
sink your teeth into something
to become fully engaged or involved in something
Example
She really sank her teeth into the new project and made great progress.
go down like a sinking ship
to fail or end badly
Example
The new restaurant went down like a sinking ship after only a few months in business.

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Summary: sinking in Brief

The term 'sinking' [ˈsɪŋkɪŋ] refers to a process of watercraft filling with water and going below the surface of the water, becoming lower in level, quality, or condition, or a feeling of sadness or despair. It extends into phrases like 'sink or swim,' meaning to either succeed or fail completely, and 'sink your teeth into something,' meaning to become fully engaged or involved in something.