flounder 1
— flounderingly , adv.
/flown"deuhr/ , v.i.
1. to struggle with stumbling or plunging movements (usually fol. by about, along, on, through, etc.): He saw the child floundering about in the water.
2. to struggle clumsily or helplessly: He floundered helplessly on the first day of his new job.
[ 1570-80; perh. b. FLOUNCE 1 and FOUNDER 2 ]
Syn. 2. falter, waver, muddle.
flounder 2
/flown"deuhr/ , n. , pl. ( esp. collectively ) flounder , ( esp. referring to two or more kinds or species ) flounders .
1. a European, marine flatfish, Platichthys flesus, used for food.
2. any of numerous similar or closely related non-European flatfishes.
3. any flatfish other than soles.
[ 1400-50; late ME floundre flundra ]