afloat

4 definitions • 9 examples

floating on water:

keep afloat You can keep afloat for longer if you lie on your back.

stay afloat He managed to stay afloat by holding on to the side of the boat.

She spent seven days afloat on a raft.

having enough money to pay what you owe:

keep afloat The business had to sell off some of its assets to keep afloat.

stay afloat Many small businesses are struggling to stay afloat.

floating on or in water:

They couldn’t keep the ferry afloat.

fig. Loan programs are aimed at keeping small businesses afloat (= operating).

having enough money to pay what you owe and not have debts:

keep sth afloat They need billion of dollars to keep the company afloat.

stay afloat Even when parent companies are fighting to stay afloat, you'll find an internet company boasting about its income.