floundering
adjectiveUK /ˈflaʊndərɪŋ/
US /ˈflaʊndərɪŋ/
Struggling and moving in a clumsy way, like you do not know what to do.
The little duck was floundering in the pond before it learned to swim.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Having a lot of difficulty and not doing well.
The new business was floundering after only a few months.
3. Moving arms and legs awkwardly in water or mud.
He was floundering in the deep snow.
4. Speaking in a confused way without a clear plan.
She was floundering for an answer during the quiz.