Definition of "flounder" in English

noun

1. A European species of flatfish having dull brown colouring with reddish-brown blotches; fluke, European flounder (Platichthys flesus).

2. (Canada, US) Any of various flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae or Bothidae.

3. A bootmaker's tool for crimping boot fronts.

verb

1. (intransitive) To act clumsily or confused; to struggle or be flustered.

   • He gave a good speech, but floundered when audience members asked questions he could not answer well.

2. (intransitive) To flop around as a fish out of water.

3. (intransitive) To make clumsy attempts to move or regain one's balance.

   • Robert yanked Connie's leg vigorously, causing her to flounder and eventually fall.

4. To be in serious difficulty.