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 of sunken

• 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

Behind the bed, past the requisite sunken bath, lies an enchanting lovers’ garden with a plunge pool, a cascading outdoor shower, and a daybed for two. —Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Feb. 2026

One legend has it that the dish was the result of ingredients salvaged by the sailors of a sunken ship. —Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2026

Could someone in the hot tub steal a glance at a guest in the sunken conversation pit? —Hannah Martin, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2026

The town square's sunken fountain was replaced with artificial turf, more seating, public art and a large LED screen for sports events and other broadcasts. —Tom Daykin, jsonline.com, 4 Feb. 2026

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