Flunk
/flʌŋk/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo fail an examination or course of study; to receive a failing grade.
/flʌŋk/
To fail a test or course.
She was worried she would flunk the physics test.
💡 Simply: Imagine you study really hard for a test, but when you get your grade back, it says you didn't do so well. That means you flunked! It’s like when a video game character loses a level or a challenge.
👶 For kids: When you flunk something, it means you didn't do a good job. Like if you get a bad grade on a test!
More Examples
He flunked his driving test three times before finally passing.
If you don't study, you're likely to flunk the exam.
How It's Used
"He flunked the final exam and had to retake the class."
"I was worried I'd flunk the driving test, but I passed!"
To reject or dismiss someone; to dismiss someone.
/flʌŋk/
To reject or dismiss someone.
The school flunked several students for cheating.
💡 Simply: To kick someone or something out. You flunk someone from an activity.
👶 For kids: When you flunk someone, it means they're not allowed to do something anymore because they didn't follow the rules or didn't do a good job.
More Examples
The audition panel flunked several of the contestants.
How It's Used
"The company flunked his job application."
From Middle English *flunken*, possibly from a Scandinavian source (e.g., Old Norse *flukka* 'to fail').
Commonly used in educational contexts since the late 19th century.
Memory tip
Think of a FLUNKy who couldn't pass a test.
Word Origin
"To fail, to fall short"