sinking
UK: ˈsɪŋkɪŋ | US: ˈsɪŋkɪŋ
n. the process of descending or submerging below a surface (especially in water)
adj. declining or deteriorating (e.g., "sinking feeling")
v. present participle of "sink" (to descend or submerge)
The word "sinking" derives from the Old English sincan (to become submerged), which shares Proto-Germanic roots with Dutch zinken and German sinken. The root sink retains its core meaning of downward movement, while the suffix -ing forms the present participle or gerund, indicating ongoing action. The metaphorical extension to emotional or economic decline ("sinking feeling," "sinking market") emerged later, reflecting the universal association of descent with loss or failure.
The ship is slowly sinking into the ocean.
She felt a sinking sensation when she heard the bad news.
The company’s profits are sinking due to poor management.
The sun was sinking below the horizon.
His hopes of winning began sinking after the first round.