What does sank mean?
“Sank” is the simple past tense and a less common past participle of the verb “sink.” Its literal sense is to move downward beneath the surface of water or another liquid, as when a ship or submarine sinks. The word also describes a rapid downward movement, such as a parachutist sinking toward the ground. In extended usage, it refers to a fall in value, quality, confidence, or success: a business may sink, a figure may sink, or a person’s confidence may sink. A common figurative expression is “my heart sank,” which describes a sudden feeling of disappointment or fear. “Sank” is used in both British and American English. Although it is formally irregular, it functions as the standard simple past form; in compound and passive constructions, “sunk” is usually preferred.
verbTo move downward beneath the surface of water or another liquid, or to descend steeply. It can also mean to become lower, weaker, or less successful.
- To move downward beneath the surface of a liquid.
- To descend steeply or abruptly.
- To become lower in level or value.
- To decline in quality, condition, or success.
- To become discouraged or overwhelmed, especially in the expression “my heart sank.”
"The damaged ferry sank rapidly after taking on water."
"The submarine sank slowly into the grey water."
"Consumer confidence sank after the announcement."
“Sank” began as the past tense of “sink” and has retained its nautical associations ever since.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sank come from?
The form developed from the Old English Germanic verb ultimately related to modern “sink,” with “sank” becoming the established English simple past tense during the Middle English period. It was also used as a past participle, although modern standard English generally prefers “sunk” in that role. Closely related forms appear in other Germanic languages, including Dutch “zonk” and German “sank.”
Related word forms
How sank is actually used
“Sank” is the simple past tense and past participle of “sink.” In formal written English, “sunk” is generally preferred as the past participle, especially in constructions such as “had sunk” and “was sunk.”
Easily confused with sank
“Sank” is the simple past tense and a less common past participle of “sink,” whereas “sunk” is the usual past participle, as in “The treasure has sunk.”