sinking
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ/
KK: /sɪŋkɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The action of going down below the surface of a liquid or to a lower level.
Example
The sinking of the ship was a tragic event.
Conversation
Did you hear about the ship that faced a sinking incident last night?
Yeah, I saw it on the news; that sounds terrifying!
It really makes you think about how dangerous the ocean can be during storms.
Absolutely, I can't imagine being on that ship during the sinking.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
submergence
plunge
descend
Antonyms
rise
ascent
elevation
verb
Definition
To go down below the surface of a liquid or to fall to a lower level.
Example
The boat is sinking slowly in the water.
Tense Forms
Past: sank
Past Participle: sunk
Conversation
I think my boat is sinking after that wave hit us.
Oh no! What should we do?
We need to get to the shore quickly before it’s too late.
Root Explanation
Sinking → The word is derived from the verb "sink" (from Old English *sincan*, meaning to go down or descend) combined with the suffix "-ing" (indicating the action or process of). Thus, "sinking" refers to the action or process of going down or descending.
Memory Tip
Think of the Old English word for going down ('sincan') to remember that 'sinking' means the action of going down.
Visually Confused Words
stinking
slinking
skinking
unsinking
shrinking
insinking
winking
spiking