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

noun

1. a low grade below the pass standard

Other Words From

• un·flunked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of flunk¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of flunk¹

C19: perhaps from flinch ¹+ funk ¹

Example Sentences

An example of a law that would flunk the rational basis test is one that prohibits people born on Tuesdays from driving.

From The Daily Beast

Did President Obama flunk Con Law at his news conference Monday?

From The Daily Beast

If Grutter is given more teeth, many affirmative-action programs around the country could flunk constitutional scrutiny.

From The Daily Beast

The school is known in wealthy circles as “Dumb White Kids Getting High Together,” but Hilton actually managed to flunk out.

From The Daily Beast

I passed everything with the utmost ease—I know the secret now, and am never going 134 to flunk again.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes he felt that he would enjoy, yes, actually, hearing somebody 223 flunk in one of his classes.

From Project Gutenberg

Most men do, I say, they usually work at it, study at it good enough so they don't flunk out.

From Project Gutenberg

I wonder if I could do it; seems 's if I would now, but flesh is weak, and I might flunk, and that would settle it.

From Project Gutenberg

And if I flunk, I have to work in the garden all summer without a single fishing trip.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• drop out