As a Noun: 1. The action of moving in an energetic, uncontrolled way when you are in water in order to try not to sink. English = floundering. 2. The feeling that you are unable to do anything to protect or save yourself, or to do the right thing in a situation. English = helplessness, floundering. 3. A state of confusion, disorder, or great anxiety; a state of complete disorder and confusion. English = turmoil; chaos. 4. Moving or handling things in a careless, awkward way, often so that things are knocked over or broken. English = clumsiness, awkwardness. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To move in an energetic, uncontrolled way when you are in water in order to try not to sink. English = flounder, thrash about. 2. To not know what to say or do in a situation; to not know what to do to protect or save yourself. English = flounder, (be) helpless. Idiomatic English = (be) all at sea. 3. To be confused, disordered or extremely anxious; to be greatly confused and disordered. English = (be) in turmoil; (be) chaotic. 4. To move or handle things in a careless, awkward way, often so that things are knocked over or broken. English = (be) clumsy, (be) awkward, (be) stilted.