# drowning

/ˈdɹaʊnɪŋ/ (US) · /dɹˈaʊnɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/drowning
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. death in water

noun · CEFR B1

an event where a person or animal dies because they are underwater and cannot breathe.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. overwhelmed

verb · CEFR B2

having so much of something that you cannot cope with it.

For teachers: 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'.

## Examples

- The lifeguard saved the child who was drowning in the pool.
- I am drowning in paperwork this week and cannot take on any new projects.
- The small coastal village is slowly drowning under the rising sea levels caused by decades of environmental neglect.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.