Flunked: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word is believed to have originated in American English in the early 20th century.
• It is derived from 'flunk', which was likely influenced by the word 'funk', meaning to suddenly retreat.
• Originally, it was used mainly in colleges and schools to describe failing grades.

Education

• Studies show that students who flunk a grade may be at a higher risk of dropping out of school.
• Failing a course often leads to increased stress and anxiety for students.
• Many educational institutions offer support programs for students who are at risk of flunking to help them improve.

Pop Culture

• In various movies and shows about school life, characters often face the fear of flunking to highlight the pressures of academic performance.
• The phrase 'flunked out' is commonly used in films to depict a character leaving school after failing multiple classes.
• Reality TV shows sometimes dramatize flunking as a pivotal moment that changes a contestant's journey.

Psychology

• Experiencing failure, like flunking, can impact a person's self-esteem and motivation.
• Some psychologists argue that encountering failure can be beneficial, teaching resilience and encouraging future success.
• The fear of flunking can lead to test anxiety, affecting performance in high-stakes situations.

Statistics

• National reports show that around 10-20% of students flunk at least one course during their educational journey.
• Research has found that flunking in the early years of school can significantly lower the likelihood of graduating later on.
• Statistics indicate that students who consistently perform poorly are more likely to flunk than those who seek help proactively.

This word's position of #33,875 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 33872 unaffordable
• 33873 whoa
• 33874 prefacing
• 33875 flunked
• 33876 stickleback
• 33877 reining
• 33878 vitiating
• ...