clunker

noun

clunk·​er ˈkləŋ-kər 

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

• crate

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

Burrow hopes that feeling the rush and gaining real reps working the pocket will help lessen the impact of opening-week clunkers that contributed to the team’s slow starts. —Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 8 Aug. 2025

Actors Heidi Mintz and especially Jim Ahrens are standouts, but even their performances are put in check in this dramaturgical clunker. —Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 6 Aug. 2025

Don't give them a clunker, though: Many top insurers have discounts for anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices and passive restraints. 7. —Liz Knueven, CNBC, 30 July 2025

Jolly Rancher devoted entire bags to it after fans bemoaned having to fight for the good stuff when it’s presented alongside total clunkers in their mixed bags, and real heads know Watermelon Sour Patch Kids are the best flavor. —Pete Cottell, Wired News, 12 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for clunker

• dunker
• hunker
• junker