ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sunk

adj.
US //ˈsəŋk// UK //sˈʌŋk// sunk
  1. 1 submerged or fallen (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describes something that is now under water or has dropped down.

    describing an object that has moved to a lower level or beneath a surface.

    Example

    Divers found the sunk treasure near the coral reef.

    Example

    The sunk foundations of the old bridge were still visible during the record-breaking summer drought.

    Teacher's tip

    While 'sunk' can be an adjective, 'sunken' is more common when placed directly before a noun (e.g., 'sunken eyes' or 'sunken ship').
  2. 2 in trouble (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    in a very bad situation with no hope of winning or succeeding.

    informal usage describing a person or project in a state of certain failure or ruin.

    Example

    If we don't finish this project by noon, we are sunk.

    Example

    Once the lead investor pulled out of the deal, the startup was effectively sunk, regardless of their innovative technology.

Last updated June 20, 2026