flunk the test

USAGE SUMMARY

'flunk the test' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a failed test or to someone who has failed a test. For example: "John had worked hard for the test, but he ended up flunking it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"A lot of people flunk the test," he says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Seeing us flunk the test, it might conclude that we are pretty stupid.

The New Yorker

A plagiarist, on the other hand, will invariably flunk the test, or else fess up before taking it.

The New York Times - Books

If the foxes flunk the test, however, that would indicate that trainability must be selected for separately, Dr. Hare said.

The New York Times

Porter took the bet — and proceeded to flunk the test by three points.

Vice

Programs that flunk the test tend to have high prices and, at best, mixed quality.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Mr. Perry is flunking the test.

The New York Times

I flunked the test for the typing pool.

The New Yorker

I start to wonder whether I flunked the test.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By Miller-Verna's assessment, Aretha flunked the test.

The New York Times - Magazine

This was their first big test, and they flunked the test".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing formal assessments or evaluations, consider using "fail the test" as a more professional-sounding alternative to "flunk the test".

Common error

Avoid using similar-sounding words like "funk" or "flank" in place of "flunk". Always double-check your spelling to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flunk the test" functions as a verb phrase where "flunk" is the verb indicating failure and "the test" is the direct object. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "flunk the test" is an informal way to express failing a test or assessment. While grammatically correct, it's more suitable for informal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its use across various sources, particularly in news and media. For more formal settings, consider using alternatives like "fail the test". Common errors include confusing "flunk" with similar-sounding words. Remember to choose the right register and double-check your spelling for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fail the test

This alternative is a more formal and direct way of expressing the same meaning.

bomb the test

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes a complete failure.

not pass the test

This is a neutral alternative, simply stating the lack of success.

fall short on the test

This emphasizes the inability to meet the required standard.

do poorly on the test

This is a general way of saying that the performance was not good.

not succeed on the test

This focuses on the lack of achieving the desired outcome.

get a failing grade on the test

This alternative refers to a specific grading system.

perform badly on the test

This focuses on the quality of the performance.

come a cropper on the test

This alternative is a more idiomatic and less common expression.

lay an egg on the test

This alternative is more informal and focuses on a conspicuous failure.

FAQs

What does "flunk the test" mean?

The phrase "flunk the test" means to fail a test or assessment. It implies not meeting the required standards or achieving a passing grade.

What can I say instead of "flunk the test"?

You can use alternatives like "fail the test", "bomb the test", or "not pass the test" depending on the context.

Is "flunk the test" formal or informal?

The phrase "flunk the test" is generally considered informal. For more formal contexts, consider using "fail the test".

How to use "flunk the test" in a sentence?

You can say, "Despite studying hard, he ended up flunking the test." or "Programs that "flunk the test" tend to have high prices and, at best, mixed quality."