sinkhole: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “sinkhole” mean?
A natural depression or hole in the ground caused by the collapse of a surface layer, often due to erosion of underlying rock (typically limestone) by water.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A natural depression or hole in the ground caused by the collapse of a surface layer, often due to erosion of underlying rock (typically limestone) by water.
Any situation or entity that consumes or absorbs vast amounts of resources (money, time, energy) with little visible return. Also used metaphorically for a situation that deteriorates rapidly or is morally corrupt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word 'sinkhole' is standard in both. British English may more readily use the synonym 'swallow hole' in technical/geographical contexts, but 'sinkhole' is perfectly understood.
Connotations
Identical in both. The metaphorical use is equally common.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English due to higher prevalence of karst landscapes (e.g., Florida) and thus more media coverage of geological events.
Grammar
How to Use “sinkhole” in a Sentence
A sinkhole opened (in the road).The project became a financial sinkhole.The car was swallowed by a sinkhole.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sinkhole” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare as verb) The road began to sinkhole after the heavy rains.
American English
- (Rare as verb) The old mine workings caused the field to sinkhole.
adverb
British English
- (Not standard as adverb) -
American English
- (Not standard as adverb) -
adjective
British English
- (Not standard as adjective) -
American English
- (Not standard as adjective) -
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The new software development turned into a budgetary sinkhole.'
Academic
Used technically in geography, geology, and environmental science: 'Karst topography is characterised by features such as sinkholes and caves.'
Everyday
Literal: 'A huge sinkhole appeared on the high street, closing the road.' Metaphorical: 'My old car is a real sinkhole for repair costs.'
Technical
A closed depression draining underground in karst terrain, formed by the dissolution of carbonate rock.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sinkhole”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sinkhole”
- Confusing with 'manhole' (a covered opening).
- Using 'sinkhole' for any large hole (e.g., a crater from an explosion).
- Spelling as two words: 'sink hole' (acceptable but less common).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A pothole is a shallow, surface-level depression in a road surface caused by wear and weather. A sinkhole is a deeper, often sudden collapse of the ground into an underground cavity.
It is very rare and not standard. The typical verb is 'to collapse' or 'to form'. 'Sinkhole' is almost exclusively a noun.
The most common cause is the dissolution of soluble bedrock (like limestone, gypsum, or salt) by groundwater, creating underground cavities that eventually collapse.
A cenote is a specific type of sinkhole that is filled with groundwater, typically found in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula. All cenotes are sinkholes, but not all sinkholes are cenotes.
A natural depression or hole in the ground caused by the collapse of a surface layer, often due to erosion of underlying rock (typically limestone) by water.
Sinkhole is usually informal, academic, technical in register.
Sinkhole: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɪŋk.həʊl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɪŋk.hoʊl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be/fall into a sinkhole (of debt/bureaucracy)”
- “A sinkhole for cash”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a kitchen SINK in a HOLE in the ground. It's a place where things (water, money, cars) go down and disappear.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROBLEMS ARE HOLES / WASTING RESOURCES IS FALLING INTO A HOLE
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'sinkhole' used metaphorically?