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Definition of flunk

flunk

/flʌŋk/
flunk
Plural:flunks
•
Past Simple:flunked
•
Past Participle:flunked
•
Present Participle:flunking
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flunk Lexical Profile

flunk Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

North American To fail to reach the required standard in an examination, test, or course of study.

Example

"If I flunk this chemistry midterm, I will have to retake the class over the summer."

2

North American To give a failing grade to a student in an examination or course.

Example

"The professor had no choice but to flunk several students who never submitted their final papers."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for flunk
Antonyms
View all antonyms for flunk

• noun

1

North American An instance of failing an examination or academic course, or a failing grade.

Example

"A single flunk in his final semester prevented him from graduating with his class."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for flunk
Antonyms
View all antonyms for flunk

• Rhymes for flunk

• Nearby Words

flummery
flummox
flump
flunk
flunker
flunky
fluoresce

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in American college slang in the 1820s, likely as a blend of 'flinch' and 'funk' (meaning to cower in fear or shirk a duty).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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