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

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.

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2024

“I would rather flunk a writing test than expose the pathetic secrets of my heart,” Malcolm writes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2023

This other teacher is going to flunk me.

From Scientific American • Oct. 13, 2022

Second place and the Lactation Cookie Bites: “Mom, if I have to run down here every time your screen freezes, I’m going to flunk gym class.”

From Washington Post • Aug. 25, 2022

“He will flunk if he continues this pattern.”

From "A Step from Heaven" by An Na

Related Words

• drop out