flounder

Universal Words verb, noun verb 1 to struggle to know what to say or do or how to continue with sth: [V] His abrupt change of subject left her floundering helplessly. [also Vspeech] 2 [V] to have a lot of problems and to be in danger of failing completely: At that time the industry was floundering. * The new democracy there continues to flounder. 3 [V] [usually +adv./prep.] to struggle to move or get somewhere in water, mud, etc: She was floundering around in the deep end of the swimming pool. * A man came floundering through the snow towards us. noun (plural flounder or flounders) a small flat sea fish that is used for food