1. the act or process of failing completely or sinking

1. present participle of founder: failing completely or struggling badly
2. present participle of founder: (of a ship) filling with water and sinking
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The company was foundering due to poor management.
• His political career is foundering after the scandal.
• The ship was foundering in the rough seas.
• The foundering of the business left many employees jobless.
• She watched her marriage foundering despite her efforts.
• The foundering vessel sent out a distress signal.
• The project is foundering without proper funding.