The antonyms for the phrase 'kept afloat' are 'sinking,' 'drowning' or 'going under.' These terms can be used to describe situations where a person, business, or endeavor is failing or struggling to remain viable. When an individual or organization finds itself in these circumstances, it may need to take drastic action to turn things around, such as reducing expenses, borrowing money or seeking additional funding. Failure to do so could result in a complete collapse, leading to significant consequences for stakeholders, customers, and employees. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the warning signs of a decline and take proactive steps to address them.