Shipwrecked

The adjective 'shipwrecked' describes a state of having one's ship destroyed or lost at sea, typically resulting in the survival of its crew and passengers (though sometimes fatal) who find themselves stranded or lost. It implies a sudden and disastrous maritime event, often due to a storm, collision, or navigational error, leaving survivors vulnerable and isolated. The term evokes feelings of peril, isolation, hardship, and the struggle for survival. It extends beyond the literal sinking of a ship, sometimes metaphorically used to depict the total loss or destruction of something valuable, such as a relationship or a career. The aftermath often involves rescue attempts, salvage operations, or the discovery of the remains of the vessel and its cargo.

Shipwrecked meaning with examples

• After the monstrous hurricane, the lone sailor was shipwrecked on a deserted island. He battled the elements and searched the shoreline daily for a sign of rescue. His hope dwindled with each passing day, as the initial supplies dwindled with the hope of rescue being a distant dream, he started using the parts of the vessel to build a new ship.
• The survivors of the shipwrecked cruise ship clung to debris, battling icy waters for hours before being spotted by a passing cargo vessel. Their ordeal tested their will to live and created traumatic memories. The rescue ship, finally close, offered blankets and medical aid, but the experience scarred them all.
• Years after the shipwrecked explorers disappeared, their journals and artifacts were discovered in the wreckage of the ship, providing insight into their final days. The find revealed the tragic circumstances, the desperation they faced, and the wonders they discovered before the ship sank. Their final struggle still resonates.
• Metaphorically, the company's new product launch was shipwrecked by technical problems and poor marketing, and sunk their chance to compete in the market. The project, like a doomed vessel, was abandoned with significant financial losses after the initial failure, leaving its future in question. The loss was heavy and unforgiving.