Pronunciation: [sˈɪŋkɪd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "sinkage" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable is pronounced as /sɪŋk/, which sounds like the word "sink" with an added "k" sound at the end. The second syllable is pronounced as /ɪdʒ/, which sounds like the word "edge" with an added "i" sound at the beginning. The whole word is pronounced as /ˈsɪŋkɪdʒ/, which describes the act or process of sinking or being sunk.
Sinkage is a noun that refers to the act or process of sinking or being submerged in a liquid, particularly in relation to objects or materials. It describes the downward movement or descent of an object into a liquid, causing it to partially or completely disappear beneath the surface.
In a more general context, sinkage can also describe the act of sinking or settling into something soft or yielding, such as mud or sand. It implies a gradual or sometimes sudden loss of stability or support, leading to a downward displacement or submergence.
Sinkage can also refer to the amount or degree of sinking that occurs. In this sense, it quantifies the extent or depth to which an object, material, or even a ship's hull sinks into a liquid. The measurement of sinkage is often important for various purposes such as engineering, naval architecture, or hydrodynamics, as it affects buoyancy, stability, and overall performance.
Furthermore, sinkage can also be used metaphorically to describe a decline or decrease in a particular situation, such as the sinking of a business or the sinking feeling of disappointment or despair. It embodies a sense of sinking into a negative or undesirable state, suggesting a downward trajectory or diminishing circumstances.
The term "sinkage" is formed by adding the suffix "-age" to the word "sink". The word "sink" has origins in Old English "sincan" and Middle English "sinken", both meaning "to become submerged or go under". The suffix "-age" is derived from Old French and ultimately from the Latin suffix "-aticum", used to form nouns indicating a state or condition. When combined, "sinkage" refers to the state or act of sinking, submerging, or descending below the surface.
