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
• dented
• depressed
• dished
• hollow
• indented
• recessed

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

Among the many highlights is a sunken fireside living room boasting a large arched picture window overlooking the backyard. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 15 May 2025

After the war, the British government processed an insurance claim for the sunken ship and became its owner. —Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2025

While searching for the pair, Hertel’s boyfriend’s body was found, and the sunken ship was discovered in Suisun Bay, deputies said. —Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 29 Apr. 2025

The latest: An event tomorrow will commemorate the Titanic and the nearly 1,500 people who died on the sunken ship 113 years ago. —Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 9 Apr. 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