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Definition of clunker

clunker

/ˈklʌŋ.kər/
clunk · er
Plural:clunkers
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clunker Lexical Profile

clunker Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American An old, worn-out, and dilapidated vehicle or machine, especially an automobile that runs poorly and makes rattling noises.

Example

"He traded in his rusty old clunker for a fuel-efficient compact car."

2

North American Something notably unsuccessful, awkward, or of very poor quality, such as a failed movie, performance, or musical note.

Example

"Despite the director's impressive track record, his latest film turned out to be a total clunker at the box office."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for clunker

• Nearby Words

clumsiness
clumsy
clunk
clunker
clunky
cluster
clustering

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in mid-20th-century American English from the onomatopoeic verb 'clunk' (representing a heavy, dull metallic sound) combined with the agentive suffix '-er'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Clunker. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/clunker
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