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

Needing to pass a qualifying exam, he flunked the test and missed his chance.

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Admitted on scholarship to Yale, Cheney hung out with a wild crowd and flunked out—“twice,” as he liked to say.

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A driving examiner, she has the nickname “E-Z Pass,” because she never flunks an applicant.

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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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Related Words

• drop out