flunk

1 of 2

verb

flunked; flunking; flunks

intransitive verb

: to fail especially in an examination or course

transitive verb

1
: to give a failing grade to
2
: to get a failing grade or result in
flunker noun

flunk

2 of 2

noun

: an act or instance of flunking

Examples of flunk in a Sentence

Verb If I flunk this class, I have to take it over again. If I flunk, I have to take this class over again. The teacher had to flunk two students.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Though the $310-million stadium was built on higher ground than its predecessor on the Mission Valley site, the field flunked Wednesday’s test — in what was the wettest challenge yet for a prominent sports event in the 19-month-old venue. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2024 That’s one in five, for all the college grads who flunked elementary math. Carroll County Times, Baltimore Sun, 4 Feb. 2024 The first candidate was a healthful brown rice, corn and bean salsa bowl that had previously flunked my flavor test. Nancy Baggett, Charlotte Observer, 31 Jan. 2024 Among news stories of overzealous professors flunking an entire class due to the suspicion of AI writing tool use and kids falsely accused of using ChatGPT, generative AI has education in a tizzy. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 14 July 2023 Then Warburton flunked, despite having dutifully studied the DMV’s driving handbook. Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2024 Some people were suffering through DMV cattle lines and flunking crazy tests; others breezed through the whole process without leaving the comfort of their own sofas. Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2024 Images: Zuma Press/AFP/Getty Images Composite: Mark Kelly The Hamas attacks in Israel this month presented the world with a stark test of moral clarity that the leaders of India’s 200 million Muslims appear intent on flunking. Sadanand Dhume, WSJ, 25 Oct. 2023 Riley is also flunking an offense where defending Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Caleb Williams seems disconnected and the play-calling seems just plain weird. Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2023
Noun
In a new report, Trainer gives his estimates showing that Tesla flunks on both criteria. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 20 Apr. 2023 Or, perhaps some schools will consider this to be an act of cheating that causes the student to get an automatic flunk. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2022 Facilities that ace their inspections are on track to get up to five stars, whereas those that flunk will struggle to get more than one or two stars. New York Times, 9 Dec. 2021 However, all three flunk the smell test, and two of them fell by the wayside before the Legislature adjourned last week. Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2019 Doesn’t Avis know some states (including Massachusetts) flunk vehicles with faulty wipers in safety inspections? Sean P. Murphy, BostonGlobe.com, 5 July 2019 And some students in general courses may test poorly or don't do their homework and flunk tests, educators say. Diane Rado, chicagotribune.com, 19 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'flunk.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

perhaps blend of flinch and funk

First Known Use

Verb

1823, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Noun

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of flunk was in 1823

Dictionary Entries Near flunk

Cite this Entry

“Flunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/flunk. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

flunk

verb
ˈfləŋk
1
: fail entry 1 sense 2c
flunk a test
2
: to give a failing grade to
flunk noun

More from Merriam-Webster on flunk

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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