What does flunk mean?
To flunk is to fail, most often in an academic context: students flunk exams, courses, or entire semesters. The word is strongly associated with North American English, where it has been a staple of campus slang since the nineteenth century, though it is broadly understood elsewhere. Informal in register, it carries a blunt, slightly harsh connotation — one does not merely do poorly on a test, one flunks it outright. The phrase 'flunk out' extends this to being expelled from school due to failing grades. Beyond academics, flunk can describe failing at any undertaking, from an audition to a business venture. Curiously, despite its long history of use, the word's ultimate origin remains unknown; it appeared in American student slang around the mid-nineteenth century with no clear ancestor, making it one of the better-known words whose pedigree lexicographers simply cannot trace.
To fail an examination, course, or other test of ability; to fail outright at something.
"If he doesn't start attending lectures, he'll flunk the semester."
Informal; chiefly North American.
A failure, especially in an examination or academic course.
"Getting a flunk on his first assignment was the wake-up call he needed."
Chiefly American and somewhat dated; 'failure' is more common.
The word for failing school is itself a mystery: even etymologists admit they have no idea where 'flunk' actually came from.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of flunk
'Flunk' emerged in American college slang in the mid-nineteenth century, first attested around the 1870s among students, though likely in oral use somewhat earlier. Its ultimate origin is genuinely unknown: no convincing ancestor has ever been identified, and etymologists classify it as a word of obscure origin, possibly connected in some way to 'flinch', though this link is unproven. It spread quickly from campus use into general American speech and later became familiar in Britain.
Related word forms
How flunk is actually used
Predominantly informal and chiefly North American; British speakers more often say 'fail' simply. The noun form ('a flunk') exists in American usage meaning a failure, and 'flunk' also carries a dated sense of backing out of something through cowardice, though this is now rare.
Easily confused with flunk
A 'fluke' is a lucky or accidental success, whereas 'flunk' means the opposite — an outright failure.