flounder
UK: ˈflaʊn.dər | US: ˈflaʊn.dɚ
vi. to struggle clumsily or helplessly (e.g., in water or mud)
n. a type of flatfish (e.g., European flounder, Platichthys flesus)
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The verb "flounder" (to struggle) likely originated in the late 16th century as a blend of flounce (to move awkwardly) and founder (to sink or fail). Its sense of physical helplessness mirrors the fish's flat, bottom-dwelling motion, though the two meanings are etymologically unrelated. The noun "flounder" (fish) derives from Old Norse flyðra, related to Dutch bot and German Flunder, reflecting its flat shape.
The hiker floundered in the deep snow, unable to move forward.
The company floundered after losing its key investors.
She floundered through the speech, forgetting her lines.
Fishermen often catch flounder near coastal reefs.
The toddler floundered in the shallow pool, giggling.