slunk: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to Medium (strongly associated with its base form 'slink')Literary, descriptive, slightly archaic. More common in written narratives than casual speech.
Quick answer
What does “slunk” mean?
The past tense and past participle of the verb 'slink', meaning to move smoothly and quietly with a sense of stealth or guilt.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The past tense and past participle of the verb 'slink', meaning to move smoothly and quietly with a sense of stealth or guilt.
To have retreated, withdrawn, or behaved in a furtive, guilty, or cowardly manner, often in response to shame, failure, or fear of confrontation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Possibly more frequent in British literary contexts.
Connotations
Equally suggestive of guilt, stealth, or dejection in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. The base form 'slink' is slightly more common.
Grammar
How to Use “slunk” in a Sentence
Subject + slunk + Adverbial (of direction/manner)Subject + slunk + Prepositional Phrase (into, out of, past, through)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “slunk” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After the embarrassing defeat, the team slunk off the pitch, avoiding the fans.
- He'd slunk into the party hoping no one would notice his cheap suit.
American English
- The coyote slunk through the brush, stalking its prey.
- She slunk out of the office early after the project failed.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could describe someone leaving a failed meeting or negotiation in disgrace (e.g., 'He slunk out of the boardroom after the vote of no confidence').
Academic
Rare, except in literary analysis or historical narrative.
Everyday
Used for vivid description of a person or animal behaving furtively (e.g., 'The cat slunk under the sofa after knocking over the vase').
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “slunk”
- Using 'slinked' (non-standard). Confusing with 'sunk' (past of sink). Using it without the necessary adverbial element implying stealthy motion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'slinked' is considered non-standard. The standard past tense and past participle is 'slunk'.
Very rarely and only in poetic or highly figurative language (e.g., 'The fog slunk over the moor'). Typically, it requires an animate, volitional agent.
'Slunk' has a stronger connotation of dejection, guilt, or cowering associated with the movement. 'Sneaked/snuck' is more neutral, focusing solely on the stealth. You 'sneak' to get a surprise; you 'slink' because you feel bad.
No, it's relatively low-frequency. Its base form 'slink' is more common, but still belongs to a literary or descriptive register rather than everyday conversation.
The past tense and past participle of the verb 'slink', meaning to move smoothly and quietly with a sense of stealth or guilt.
Slunk is usually literary, descriptive, slightly archaic. more common in written narratives than casual speech. in register.
Slunk: in British English it is pronounced /slʌŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /slʌŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a dog that has been kicked (implied context for 'slunk away')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SLUmped' + 'sUNK' = SLUNK. When you fail and feel terrible, you slump your shoulders and feel sunk – you 'slunk' away.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAME/FAILURE IS A BURDEN THAT FORCES COVERT MOVEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
Which scenario best illustrates the meaning of 'slunk'?