flunk
American English, 19th century, possibly from 'funk' (to shrink from, recoil) or 'flinch'.
VERB
(1)
[/flʌŋk/en-US]
To fail an academic test, course, or examination. It can also mean to assign a failing grade to a student or to a piece of work, indicating that it did not meet the required standards. This term is often used informally.
| past_participle | past_tense | present_participle | present_third_person_singular |
|---|---|---|---|
| flunked | flunked | flunking | flunks |
- She was so nervous about the final exam that she was afraid she would flunk it.
- The professor had no choice but to flunk half the class after their disastrous performance on the midterm.
NOUN
(1)
[/flʌŋk/en-US]
An instance of failing an examination, course, or assignment, or a grade that indicates such a failure. It refers to the negative outcome itself.
| plural |
|---|
| flunks |
- Despite all his efforts, he received a flunk on his advanced algebra project.
- Students often dread getting a flunk on their record, as it can affect their academic standing.
countable: true