Flunked is a verb that means to fail a test or course. It is spelled with the letters F-L-U-N-K-E-D and pronounced /flʌŋkt/. The IPA phonetic transcription shows that the "fl" sound is made by pressing the upper teeth against the lower lip while blowing air out, followed by the "ʌ" sound made with the mouth open and tongue in the center. The "ŋ" sound is made by touching the back of the tongue to the soft palate followed by the "k" sound made by pressing the vocal cords against the back of the throat.
Flunked:
Flunked is a term that refers to the act or instance of failing a test, examination, course, or academic requirement, due to inadequate performance or insufficient understanding of the subject matter. When someone flunks, it means they have not achieved a passing grade or have not met the necessary criteria for success.
The term is commonly used in an educational context, particularly in schools, colleges, and universities. It highlights a lack of achievement or proficiency in a specific subject or academic pursuit. Flunked often denotes an unsuccessful outcome or result, indicating that the individual has not demonstrated proficiency or comprehension of the material being assessed.
Flunked can apply to various assessments, including both written examinations and practical evaluations, such as laboratory experiments or presentations. It implies that the person has not reached the required level of knowledge, skill, or understanding necessary to advance or succeed in that particular domain.
Typically, when one flunks an assessment, they may need to repeat the course or the examination in order to improve their performance and achieve a passing grade. Flunking can serve as a wake-up call or a lesson, prompting individuals to reassess their studying habits, seek additional help, or develop new strategies to enhance their learning and academic performance.
The word "flunked" originated from the United States in the 19th century. It is believed to be a college slang term derived from the English dialect word "flunk", which means to fail or to back out. This dialect word, in turn, is thought to have originated from a Scottish term "flunk", meaning to make a dull sound or to fail. The exact etymology beyond this point is unclear and speculative.