# sunk

/ˈsəŋk/ (US) · /sˈʌŋk/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 2. submerged or fallen

adjective · CEFR B2

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

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

- Divers found the sunk treasure near the coral reef.
- The sunk foundations of the old bridge were still visible during the record-breaking summer drought.

Teaching tip: While 'sunk' can be an adjective, 'sunken' is more common when placed directly before a noun (e.g., 'sunken eyes' or 'sunken ship').

### 3. in trouble

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

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

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

- If we don't finish this project by noon, we are sunk.
- Once the lead investor pulled out of the deal, the startup was effectively sunk, regardless of their innovative technology.

## Examples

- The heavy stone has sunk to the bottom of the lake.
- By the time the rescue team arrived, the small fishing boat had already sunk beneath the waves.
- The realization that the project was doomed finally sunk in after the third round of funding was officially denied by the board.

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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.