sunken

adjective

sunk·​en ˈsəŋ-kən 

1

: submerged

especially : lying at the bottom of a body of water

2

a

: hollow, recessed

sunken cheeks

b

: lying in a depression

a sunken garden

c

: settled below the normal level

d

: constructed below the normal floor level

a sunken living room

Synonyms

• concave
• hollow
• depressed

Examples of sunken in a Sentence

Her eyes were sunken and lifeless.

our convalescing guest's sunken cheeks soon filled out on a diet of my mother's cooking

Recent Examples on the Web

The main pool, meanwhile, is complete with a sunken seating spot and more touches of greenery. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 17 June 2025

The site of the former plant is now a large sunken rectangle of open space, with grass growing over earth, shattered concrete, and broken bricks. —John Seabrook june 11, Literary Hub, 11 June 2025

An extensive remodel unveiled a classic sunken fireplace that had been covered up by carpet. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 5 June 2025

Another boater reported the sunken ship Wednesday afternoon to Brewster Fire and Rescue, which then notified the Massachusetts State Police and Massachusetts Environmental Police. —David Matthews, New York Daily News, 11 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English sonkyn, past participle of sinken to sink

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sunken

• drunken
• shrunken

Kids Definition

sunken

adjective

sunk·​en ˈsəŋ-kən 

1

: being submerged

especially : lying at the bottom of a body of water

sunken ships

2

: fallen in : hollow

sunken cheeks

3

a

: lying in a depression

a sunken garden

b

: constructed below the normal floor level

a sunken living room