flunk

American  

[fluhngk] / flʌŋk /

verb (used without object)

1. to fail in a course or examination.

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verb (used with object)

1. to fail to get a passing mark in.

   to flunk math.

2. to give a failing grade to; remove (a student) as unqualified from a school or course.

noun

1. a failure, as in a course or examination.

verb phrase

1. flunk out to fail and be unable to continue in.

   He flunked out of flight school.

flunk British  

/ flʌŋk /

verb

1. to fail or cause to fail to reach the required standard in (an examination, course, etc)

2. to be dismissed from a school or college through failure in examinations

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noun

1. a low grade below the pass standard

Other Word Forms

• unflunked
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of flunk

1815–25, perhaps akin to flinch ¹, funk ¹

Explanation

To flunk is to do poorly on a test or in a class. One way to avoid flunking is to start studying several nights before a test. People have been flunking things ever since there were schools. However, we’ve only been calling it flunking since the 1800s. Originally, flunk could mean “to fail” or “to give up.” That’s a good reminder that sometimes, to avoid flunking, you just need to keep trying.

Example Sentences

When I was attending I.S.C., the saying went: "Flunk out at Iowa State and be on the honor roll at Iowa U."

From Time Magazine Archive

Dissertations: to a meddling person, subject, "The Busybody"; to a poor punster, subject, "Diseased Razors"; to a poor scholar, subject, "Flunk on,—flunk ever."

From A Collection of College Words and Customs by Hall, Benjamin Homer

Flunk is the common word when some unfortunate man makes an utter failure in recitation.

From A Collection of College Words and Customs by Hall, Benjamin Homer

Related Words

• drop out