Tanking Meaning in English
word · lemma: tank
Definition
"Tanking" means doing very poorly, failing, or deliberately losing, especially in business, sports, or games. It can refer to something going down fast, like sales, or intentionally underperforming to get a future benefit.
Usage & Nuances
"Tanking" is informal and often used for business, sports, stocks, or online games. In sports, "tanking" suggests a team loses on purpose to get a better draft pick. In business, it means falling fast or failing badly ("the stock is tanking"). Not used for people failing an exam—stick to business, sports, or markets.
Example Sentences
The company's profits are tanking this year.
basic
The team is tanking to get a better draft pick.
basic
Our sales numbers are tanking fast.
basic
Why are the ratings tanking after last week’s episode?
natural
He started tanking on purpose halfway through the game.
natural
Crypto markets are tanking again—better check your investments.
natural