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sunken arch

sunken arch

6.1
A foot problem where the middle part is flat so the whole bottom of the foot touches the ground
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : arco caído
  • People with a sunken arch may experience pain in their feet and ankles.

Examples

  • Supportive insoles are often recommended to help those with a sunken arch.

  • After years of standing at work, he developed a sunken arch in his left foot.

  • A sunken arch can lead to foot pain.

  • Many athletes suffer from sunken arches due to overtraining.

  • People with a sunken arch often find it difficult to walk for long periods without discomfort.

  • He noticed that his shoes were wearing unevenly, a sign of having a sunken arch.

  • To alleviate the problems caused by a sunken arch, many individuals invest in custom orthotic inserts.

Synonyms

flatfoot
vssunken arch
1 6.5

A foot with a low arch so the bottom is flat and spread out

has identical meaning and serves as an alternate name
fallen arch
vssunken arch
  • Specialized
1 7.4

The curved part of the foot becomes flat so the whole sole touches the ground

shares identical meaning but uses a different phrasing
splayfoot
vssunken arch
  • Specialized
9.3

A foot whose inner curve has fallen so it looks flat and wide

focuses on flattening only without stressing the widening feature

Antonyms

4 3.2

Having a curved top like a bridge or window

How Flat

sunken arch
  • Specialized
6.1
fallen arch
  • Specialized
1 7.4
arch
16 6.8

Surface Forms

sunken arch singular
sunken arches plural

Morphology

sunken + arch

This is a straightforward adjective + noun composition: 'sunken' (lowered or depressed) combined with 'arch' (the arched part of the foot) yields an arch that has fallen or flattened. The meaning is directly derivable from the constituents and follows common descriptive patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer it refers to a flattened/low foot arch (flatfoot).

Etymology

Sunken arch paints a simple picture: the word sunken means 'sunk' down and the arch of the foot has flattened so the whole sole touches the ground. That's why it means 'flatfoot'.