sunken
UK: ˈsʌŋkən | US: ˈsʌŋkən
adj. submerged or settled below the surface (of water or ground)
adj. (of eyes or cheeks) hollow or deeply recessed due to exhaustion, age, or illness
adj. (figurative) emotionally or financially depressed
"Sunken" originated as the past participle of "sink," retaining its core meaning of submersion. Over time, the suffix "-en" solidified its adjectival use, extending metaphorically to describe hollow physical features or downtrodden states. The word’s evolution mirrors the physical → abstract semantic shift common in Germanic-derived English.
The sunken ship was discovered off the coast after decades underwater.
Her sunken cheeks revealed the toll of her illness.
The garden had a sunken patio surrounded by stone steps.
After the recession, the family faced sunken fortunes.
His sunken eyes betrayed his exhaustion.