verb
flunk
fluhngk
verb
1
To fail a class, test, or course.
"He flunked chemistry in his first year of college."
2
To back out of something out of fear.
"She almost flunked the interview after losing her nerve."
How to Use Flunk
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo fail, especially an exam or course, in informal American English.
When to use it
Informal — mainly used in casual speech, especially about school and exams.
Common pairings
flunk a test
flunk out
flunk a class
Word Forms
flunked past tense, flunks singular
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Etymology
Likely an alteration of "funk," possibly blended with "flinch."