"Foundered" is a verb that means to fail or collapse. The spelling of this word can be a bit confusing to some, as it is commonly mistaken for "floundered". However, the two words have different meanings. "Foundered" is pronounced as /ˈfaʊndərd/, with the stress on the first syllable. It is spelled "f-o-u-n-d-e-r-e-d", with "d" at the end. This spelling represents the past tense of the verb "founder", which means to sink or submerge. Remember, "foundered" and "floundered" are not interchangeable, and should not be used interchangeably.
Foundered is a verb that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. One of its definitions is related to equines, referring to a condition commonly seen in horses called laminitis, where there is inflammation and swelling of the tissues connecting the hoof wall to the internal structures of the hoof. This condition causes severe pain, making it difficult for the horse to walk or stand.
In a broader sense, foundered may describe a situation or person that has failed or broken down due to a lack of success or the inability to cope with challenges. It can refer to the collapse or ruin of something that was once prosperous or thriving. It implies a state of disarray, confusion, or failure. For example, a business may founder due to poor management or economic downturn, while an individual may founder if their personal goals or ambitions are unattainable or unsupported.
Additionally, foundered can be used to describe a ship that has sunk or become wrecked, typically as a result of hitting reefs or running aground. It suggests a loss of functionality or the inability to continue its intended course. Overall, whether referring to a physical ailment in horses, the failure of an enterprise, or the demise of a ship, foundered conveys the idea of collapse, breakdown, or failure.
Sunk in the sea, as a ship; made lame in the feet by inflammation, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "foundered" has multiple etymological origins depending on its context.
1. As a verb meaning to fail or collapse, "foundered" comes from the Middle English word "foundren", which can be traced back to the Old French word "fondrer", meaning to collapse or sink. The Old French term ultimately originates from the Latin word "fundus", meaning bottom or foundation.
2. As a verb referring to the act of causing a horse to break down due to overexertion, "foundered" has a different etymology. It derives from the early 16th-century term "fonder" or "foundor", which comes from the Middle French word "fondrer", meaning to sink or become lame. This Middle French term likely developed from the Old French word "fondre", meaning to melt or dissolve.