How Do You Spell SINKING SHIP?

Pronunciation: [sˈɪŋkɪŋ ʃˈɪp] (IPA)

The phrase "sinking ship" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription as /ˈsɪŋkɪŋ ʃɪp/. The first syllable "sink" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by the "ng" sound which is represented by the symbol "ŋ". The second syllable "ing" is pronounced with a soft "g" sound. The final syllable "ship" is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by a "sh" sound which is represented by the symbol "ʃ". This phrase is commonly used to describe a situation that is about to fail or is already failing.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Plural
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SINKING SHIP Meaning and Definition

  1. Sinking ship refers to a colloquial expression used to describe a situation or organization that is experiencing severe struggles, decline, or failure and is destined for an inevitable downfall. The term is derived from the imagery of a vessel that is gradually submerging into water, portraying the idea that efforts to save the vessel are futile and abandonment is the only logical option.

    In a literal sense, a sinking ship is a ship that is gradually filling with water and approaching the point of being submerged. However, figuratively speaking, the term is applied to contexts beyond maritime scenarios. It implies that an individual, organization, or endeavor is experiencing significant problems that threaten its stability and future. Such problems could include financial difficulties, mismanagement, declining support, internal conflicts, or external pressures.

    The metaphorical sinking ship necessitates swift action to escape from a deteriorating situation. It often implies that efforts to save the failing entity are impractical or unwarranted, and that abandoning it would be the most pragmatic course of action. This term is frequently used in conversations about failing businesses, failed policies, collapsing economies, crumbling relationships, or deserted projects.

    In summary, the phrase sinking ship symbolizes a situation, organization, or entity that is on the verge of complete failure, where attempts to rescue or restore it are often deemed futile, and the best option is to abandon it.

Common Misspellings for SINKING SHIP

  • ainking ship
  • zinking ship
  • xinking ship
  • dinking ship
  • einking ship
  • winking ship
  • sunking ship
  • sjnking ship
  • sknking ship
  • sonking ship
  • s9nking ship
  • s8nking ship
  • sibking ship
  • simking ship
  • sijking ship
  • sihking ship
  • sinjing ship
  • sinming ship
  • sinling ship
  • sinoing ship

Etymology of SINKING SHIP

The etymology of the phrase "sinking ship" is related to literal shipwrecks. The word "sinking" comes from the Old English word "sincan" meaning "to go under, to become submerged". Shipwrecks have been a common occurrence throughout history, and the phrase "sinking ship" describes a ship that is taking on water and gradually submerging.

Metaphorically, this phrase is used to describe situations or organizations that are failing or experiencing significant problems. It suggests that there is a sense of impending doom or inevitable collapse, akin to a ship slowly sinking beneath the water. Over time, the phrase has become a figurative expression used in various contexts, including business, politics, and everyday conversations, to describe situations where success or survival seems unlikely.

Idioms with the word SINKING SHIP

  • deserting/leaving a sinking ship The idiom "deserting/leaving a sinking ship" means to abandon or disassociate oneself from a failing or deteriorating situation, organization, or enterprise in order to avoid being implicated or adversely affected by its downfall. It implies that one is abandoning ship when it is in trouble or on the verge of failure.
  • like rats leaving a sinking ship The idiom "like rats leaving a sinking ship" is used to describe a situation where individuals or groups quickly abandon something or someone that is facing imminent failure, danger, or downfall. It implies that just as rats instinctively flee from a sinking ship to save themselves, people will similarly abandon a situation or cause that they perceive as doomed.
  • leave a sinking ship The idiom "leave a sinking ship" means to abandon a failing or deteriorating situation, organization, or relationship before it gets worse or fails completely. It implies recognizing the signs of imminent failure and taking action to protect oneself or one's interests by disassociating from the situation.
  • (like rats) deserting/leaving a sinking ship The idiom "like rats deserting/leaving a sinking ship" means people abandoning a failing or troubled situation, typically in a hasty or self-interested manner. It implies that when faced with adversity or impending failure, individuals will prioritize their own well-being and distance themselves from the situation, much like how rats flee from a sinking ship to save themselves.
  • like rats deserting a sinking ship The idiom "like rats deserting a sinking ship" means that someone or a group of people are abandoning a situation or organization when it starts to fail or face difficulties. It implies that the individuals have no loyalty and are looking out for their own self-interest. It can also suggest that they are quick to abandon others in times of trouble.
  • like rats from a sinking ship The idiom "like rats from a sinking ship" refers to people or animals quickly and desperately abandoning a failing or dangerous situation. It implies a sense of self-preservation and the instinct to flee when faced with impending disaster.
  • like rats abandoning a sinking ship The idiom "like rats abandoning a sinking ship" is used to describe a situation where people or things quickly and eagerly desert a failing or troubled endeavor, often out of self-interest or survival instinct. It implies that just as rats instinctively flee a sinking ship, individuals will rapidly abandon a failing project, organization, or situation.
  • desert a sinking ship The idiom "desert a sinking ship" means to abandon or leave a failing or doomed situation before it gets worse or to distance oneself from an organization, project, or endeavor that is likely to fail or decline rapidly.
  • a sinking ship The idiom "a sinking ship" refers to a situation or organization that is failing or facing imminent downfall. It implies that the situation or organization is beyond rescue and will continue to decline rapidly.
  • rats deserting a sinking ship The idiom "rats deserting a sinking ship" means describing people who abandon a failing or doomed situation as soon as they anticipate that it is going to get worse or fail. It implies that individuals are quick to distance themselves from problems or challenges, prioritizing their own self-interest rather than loyalty or commitment.
  • sinking ship The idiom "sinking ship" refers to a situation or group that is failing or experiencing difficulties, likely to collapse or come to an end soon. It suggests that the situation or group is facing inevitable failure or downfall.
  • Rats abandon a sinking ship. The idiom "rats abandon a sinking ship" means that when a situation becomes bad or dangerous, people will quickly leave or distance themselves from it in order to protect themselves.

Plural form of SINKING SHIP is SINKING SHIPS

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