flounders

verb

1. 1

   To flop around as a fish out of water.

2. 2

   To make clumsy attempts to move or regain one's balance.

   “Robert yanked Connie's leg vigorously, causing her to flounder and eventually fall.”

3. 3

   To act clumsily or confused; to struggle or be flustered.

   “He gave a good speech, but floundered when audience members asked questions he could not answer well.”

4. 4

   To be in serious difficulty.