flunk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “flunk” mean?
to fail a test or course, especially at school or university.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to fail a test or course, especially at school or university
to give a failing grade to someone; to perform poorly or fail at something; (informal) to give up on or abandon an attempt
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English; British English speakers are more likely to use 'fail' or specific terms like 'bomb' in informal contexts.
Connotations
In American English, it is a standard informal term; in British English, it may sound slightly Americanised or dated. Often perceived as a less harsh synonym for 'fail'.
Frequency
High frequency in informal American English, especially among students; moderate to low in British English, where it is understood but less commonly produced.
Grammar
How to Use “flunk” in a Sentence
flunk (sb/sth)flunk out (of sth)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “flunk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He flunked his driving test three times before finally passing.
- If you don't study, you'll flunk the module.
American English
- She flunked the final exam and had to retake the class.
- I'm worried I'll flunk chemistry this semester.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; would be metaphorical, e.g., 'The new product flunked the market test.'
Academic
Informal student-to-student talk; not used in formal writing or assessment criteria.
Everyday
Common in conversations about school, tests, and personal challenges.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flunk”
- Using it in formal writing (e.g., 'The student flunked' in an official report).
- Confusing 'flunk' (transitive) with 'flunk out' (intransitive, means to leave school due to failure).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while most common for tests and courses, it can be used metaphorically for other failures (e.g., 'flunk an interview').
'Flunk' means to fail a specific test or course. 'Flunk out' (intransitive, often followed by 'of') means to be forced to leave a school or programme because of repeated failures.
Yes, it can be used transitively with a person as the object, meaning the teacher gave you a failing grade.
No, it's informal but not offensive. It's a casual, often humorous or self-deprecating way to say 'fail'.
to fail a test or course, especially at school or university.
Flunk is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Flunk: in British English it is pronounced /flʌŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /flʌŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “flunk out of school”
- “flunk the audition”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FLUte player whose music sounds terrible, so the judges give them a 'K' for 'flunk' - they fail the audition.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAILURE IS A PHYSICAL FALL/DROP (to flunk out of school), FAILURE IS A SUDDEN STOP (the attempt flunked).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most informal synonym for 'flunk'?