Unswimming

The state of lacking the ability or the active process of swimming; characterized by a complete or temporary inability to move through water by the coordinated use of limbs and/or body movements designed for aquatic locomotion. This term can describe someone who has never learned to swim, is physically incapable of swimming due to injury or physical limitations, or is currently experiencing a situation preventing them from swimming, such as being outside of a swimming pool. Metaphorically, 'unswimming' can also describe an inability to navigate or succeed in a particular situation or field, like 'unswimming' in a complex project or difficult relationship.

Unswimming meaning with examples

• Despite the lifeguards' best efforts, Sarah remained unswimming, unable to keep herself afloat after slipping on the pool deck's wet tiles. Her fear of water was an obstacle to her learning process, with no water confidence her movements remained uncoordinated, and she would not let go of the pool's edge to swim freely. The instructor encouraged her to try again. This instance illustrated her persistent, but temporary, state of being unswimming.
• After breaking his arm, Mark was unswimming for several weeks, unable to propel himself through the water. The swimming lessons he had carefully scheduled with his instructor were now no longer possible. He watched as others enjoyed the water, frustrated by his unswimming state. He would sit by the side of the pool and plan how to improve his swimming when he was able. The doctors provided physical therapy until he could swim once again.
• The rapid current and choppy waves made the conditions treacherous, rendering many experienced swimmers temporarily unswimming due to their inability to control their movement. Even with the ability to swim the water conditions played a major role and created danger to the pool area. Everyone on the beach remained cautious about entering the water. This illustrates the dangers in the conditions preventing effective swimming, and creating an unswimming situation.
• Figuratively, the company's recent financial woes left them metaphorically 'unswimming' in the competitive market. With their resources dwindling and morale low, they struggled to stay afloat against their competitors, the financial pressure made it difficult to meet project deadlines. Their once-confident strides were now replaced by a struggling, 'unswimming' posture. They had to learn to move again, and navigate successfully.