FOUNDER

[verb] [I] - (esp. of a boat) to fill with water and sink, or (figurative) to be unsuccessfulThe ferry foundered in a heavy storm, taking many of the passengers and crew with it.(figurative) The council's plans for new community services have foundered because of budget cuts.(figurative) Teaching computers to read and write has always foundered on (= failed because of) the unpredictable human element in language.