Word
drowning
Phoneticsdrown·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɹaʊnɪŋ/
UK/dɹˈaʊnɪŋ/
Definitions
01death in water
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Medicine
n. an event where a person or animal dies because they are underwater and cannot breathe.
n. the process or instance of death caused by the inhalation of liquid, preventing the lungs from absorbing oxygen.
“The lifeguard saved the child from drowning in the deep end of the pool.”
“The local council implemented stricter safety protocols at the lake following a tragic accidental drowning during the summer festival.”
Synonyms
02overwhelmed
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. having so much of something that you cannot cope with it.
v. a metaphorical use describing the state of being completely overwhelmed by a metaphorical 'flood' of work, debt, or emotion.
“I am drowning in paperwork and don't think I can finish it today.”
“Small businesses in the region are currently drowning in debt due to the unexpected rise in energy costs and supply chain disruptions.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'in'.
Synonyms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/drowning