What does sinking mean?
Sinking is the -ing form of the verb “sink” and can also function as an adjective or noun. As a verb form, it describes movement downward, especially into water, as in “the boat is sinking,” but it extends readily to decreases in level, value, quality, or confidence: “prices are sinking.” In its adjectival use, “a sinking feeling” evokes apprehension or discouragement, while “a sinking ship” literally identifies a vessel going under and figuratively suggests an enterprise in collapse. As a noun, “the sinking” denotes the process or event of descending or declining, as in “the sinking of the ship.” The word is neutral in register and common in both British and American English. Its figurative uses are often more dramatic than those of “falling,” suggesting a continuing, worrying, or potentially irreversible descent, although context determines the degree of force.
Moving downward, especially into or beneath the surface of water; figuratively, decreasing in value, quality, confidence, or stability.
"The submarine continued sinking toward the bottom of the bay."
This is the present participle of “sink” and normally occurs in a progressive construction.
Denoting or involving downward movement or decline, especially a decline that appears worrying or difficult to reverse.
"She felt a sinking sensation in her stomach as the elevator lurched."
The adjectival use commonly precedes a noun, such as “sinking ship” or “sinking feeling.”
The act, process, or event of sinking or undergoing a downward or figurative decline.
"They watched the sinking of the vessel from the safety of the cliff."
The noun is relatively uncommon and is often expressed more fully as “the sinking of” something.
The plural is uncommon because the noun is usually used in the singular for a specific act or process.
"The repeated sinkings of the fishing vessel remained unexplained."
A “sinking feeling” can mean nausea, dread, or both—a word that turns a physical sensation into a familiar emotional mood.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sinking come from?
“Sinking” was formed by adding the present-participle ending -ing to “sink.” The word “sink” comes from Old English sincan, an inherited Germanic verb with the basic sense of moving downward, often into water or below a surface. Related forms appear in Dutch “zinken,” German “sinken,” and German “senken,” reflecting cognates and extensions of the same Germanic root.
Related word forms
How sinking is actually used
As a verb form, “sinking” normally appears in a progressive construction and describes a movement or decline that may be continuing. In figurative use, it often conveys a worrying, accelerating, or potentially irreversible downward movement. As an adjective, it commonly occurs before a noun, especially in expressions associated with emotional unease or imminent decline.
Easily confused with sinking
“Sink” is the base verb, while “sinking” is its present participle or -ing form, though it can also serve independently as an adjective or noun.