founders

7 definitions • 9 examples

someone who establishes an organization:

She is the founder and managing director of the company.

(especially of a boat) to fill with water and sink:

The ferry foundered in a heavy storm, taking many of the passengers and crew with it.

to be unsuccessful:

founder on Teaching computers to read and write has always foundered on the unpredictable human element in language.

to fill with water and sink, or fig. to fail:

The ship foundered in a heavy storm.

fig. Plans for a new airport have foundered because of budget cuts.

someone who establishes an organization:

She is the founder and managing director of the company.

someone who starts a new business, organization, etc.:

As the founder of a petrochemicals business empire, he once ranked among Asia's wealthiest men.

to fail or be unsuccessful, because of problems:

In recent years her career has been foundering.

The deal foundered on price, with the owners wanting more than $150m for the five-star hotel.