flunk

[fluhngk]

verb (used without object)

1. to fail in a course or examination.

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

/ 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

noun

1. a low grade below the pass standard

Other Word Forms

• unflunked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of flunk¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flunk¹

C19: perhaps from _flinch ¹ + _funk ¹

Example Sentences

The only problem: They both flunked their first test on Friday.

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Without music education, Jordan said, “I wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have the goals that I have. I maybe would have flunked out.”

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Her night terrors are causing her to flunk out of college, and her roommate demands that she go home and get some answers so that she can get some sleep.

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Some states have already flunked, but unfortunately they may not be the last to bring this ancient atrocity back to life.

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It’s saying, “Oh, yay, I get to flunk another math test this week,” when what you mean is that you are freaked out about your consistently terrible grades in math class.

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Related Words

• drop out