Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
verb (used without object)
- to fail in a course or examination.
verb (used with object)
- to fail to get a passing mark in: to flunk math.
- to give a failing grade to; remove (a student) as unqualified from a school or course.
noun
- a failure, as in a course or examination.
Verb Phrases
- flunk out, to fail and be unable to continue in: He flunked out of flight school.
verb
- to fail or cause to fail to reach the required standard in (an examination, course, etc)
- (intr foll by out) to be dismissed from a school or college through failure in examinations
noun
- a low grade below the pass standard
1823, American English college slang, original meaning “to back out, give up, fail,” traditionally said to be an alteration of British university slang funk “to be frightened, shrink from” (see funk (n.1)). Related: Flunked; flunking.