Flunked Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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flunked
[flʌŋkt ]
Definition
failing an exam
To flunk means to fail a course, assignment, or examination. It often implies a lack of comprehension of the subject matter or insufficient performance during evaluation. The term is commonly used in academic contexts to indicate that a student did not meet the required standard. Flunking can have implications for a student's academic progression and may lead to retaking classes or additional studies.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- She flunked her math exam.
- He was worried he would flunk the course.
- If I don't study, I might flunk this test.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'flunked'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'flunk' originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. It is believed to have derived from a combination of slang and academic terminology, and it was initially used in the context of failing grades or performance in educational settings. The earliest records of the word appear in the 1860s, coinciding with the expansion of formal schooling and the establishment of grading systems in American schools. 'Flunk' reflects the growing importance of academic success in American society during this period. The term has since evolved, becoming a staple of colloquial English and extending beyond educational contexts to describe failures in a broader range of activities or challenges.
Word Frequency Rank
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
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