# tread water

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To remain afloat in the water without use of any buoyancy aid, by using kicking motions and hand motions.
2. To make no progress, expending effort just enough to maintain a stable position.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/tread-water