clunker

noun

clunk·​er ˈkləŋ-kər How to pronounce clunker (audio)
Synonyms of clunkernext
1
: an old or badly working piece of machinery
especially : a dilapidated automobile
2
: someone or something notably unsuccessful
told a joke that was a real clunker

Synonyms of clunker

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Examples of clunker in a Sentence

My first car was an old clunker that kept breaking down. That joke was a real clunker. The director's recent films have all been clunkers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That means plenty of clunkers, even when teams are decent. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 9 June 2026 Randy Vásquez just had his first clunker on Wednesday after allowing two runs over his first three starts. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 The Mets didn’t think Scott was in danger of losing any confidence after that clunker. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 2 May 2026 The Final Four was a bit of a clunker compared to the rest of the tournament, which was fantastic. — Kirk Bohls, Houston Chronicle, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clunker

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clunker was in 1930

Rhymes for clunker

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Browse Nearby Words

clunk
clunker
clunky
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Cite this Entry

“Clunker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clunker. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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