Definition

Adjective 1. Situated below the general level or having descended below a surface: Describing something that is lower than the surrounding area or that has been submerged. 2. Hollow or depressed in appearance: Describing a part of the body, especially the eyes or cheeks, that appears deeply recessed, often due to illness, age, or exhaustion.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a submerged object:
  • Divers explored the sunken ship on the ocean floor.
  • The treasure was found in a sunken chest.
• Describing a depressed area:
  • The house featured a sunken living room, a few steps lower than the rest of the floor.
  • They built a sunken garden to create a peaceful, secluded space.
• Describing a hollow facial feature:
  • After his long illness, his sunken eyes were noticeable.
  • The old man had sunken cheeks.

Advanced Usage

• "Sunken" as a participial adjective: The word is the past participle of the verb "sink." It is used adjectivally to describe the state resulting from the action of sinking.
  • The sunken bath was a luxurious feature of the master suite. (A bath built into a lowered section of the floor).

Variants and Related Words

• Sink (verb): To descend or cause to descend below a surface.
• Sunkenness (noun, rare): The state or quality of being sunken.

Synonyms

• Submerged: Covered with water.
• Depressed: Lowered in position.
• Hollow: Having a sunken area.
• Recessed: Set back or embedded.

Antonyms

• Raised: Elevated above a surface.
• Protruding: Sticking out.
• Swollen: Enlarged or puffed up.

Notes on Usage

• "Sunken" vs. "Sunk": "Sunken" is primarily used as an adjective before a noun (e.g., ). "Sunk" is the standard past tense and past participle of the verb "sink" (e.g., ). Using "sunk" as an adjective (e.g., ) is generally considered non-standard.
• The word often carries connotations of permanence, loss, or physical decline, especially when describing facial features or ruined structures.

Adjective

1. having a sunken area
   • hunger gave their faces a sunken look