"A sinking feeling" is a common phrase used to describe a sense of dread or anxiety. The pronunciation of this phrase in IPA phonetic transcription is /ə ˈsɪŋkɪŋ fiːlɪŋ/. The word "sinking" is spelled with a "k" instead of a "c" because it follows the rule of using "k" after a short vowel sound, as in the word "sink". The pronunciation of "feeling" uses a long "e" sound and is spelled using the double "ee" to indicate this sound.
A "sinking feeling" refers to an unpleasant sensation of deep disappointment, unease, or dread that engulfs one's emotional state. This expression is often used metaphorically to describe an intense and instinctive emotional reaction to a certain situation or realization.
The term "sinking" evokes a sensation of descending or dropping rapidly, creating a heavy and burdensome feeling within oneself. It can be likened to the physical experience of the stomach dropping or a surge of anxiety coursing through one's body. This sinking feeling is often associated with a sudden understanding or realization of something negative or unsettling, causing an immediate mood shift and a sense of heaviness.
This phrase commonly illustrates a sense of foreboding or impending doom, as it conveys a profound inner awareness of a negative outcome or an unwelcome truth. It can be the result of various experiences, such as a sudden loss, disappointment, betrayal, or a realization that something undesirable is about to happen. The sinking feeling can also emerge as a response to an intuitive perception that one's hopes, plans, or aspirations are slowly eroding or becoming unattainable.
In summary, a "sinking feeling" refers to a deeply distressing emotional response marked by a sensation of descending heaviness and unease. It captures the essence of an instinctive and intense reaction to a negative situation, realization, or the anticipation of an unfortunate event.