# conk out

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/conk-out
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. machine failure

phrasal verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to stop working suddenly, usually because of a mechanical or electrical problem.

For teachers: to cease functioning or break down abruptly. The verb is intransitive and typically refers to engines, appliances, or electronic devices.

- My old laptop finally conked out right in the middle of my presentation.
- The generator conked out during the storm, leaving the entire research facility without power for nearly six hours.

Usage: This phrasal verb is intransitive and does not take a direct object.

### 2. falling asleep

phrasal verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to fall asleep very quickly, especially when you are extremely tired.

For teachers: to fall fast asleep or lose consciousness suddenly due to physical exhaustion.

- As soon as his head hit the pillow, he conked out for ten hours.
- After hiking twenty miles through the mountains, the entire group conked out before the sun had even set.

Teaching tip: While 'pass out' often implies fainting or alcohol, 'conk out' usually implies healthy, deep sleep from being tired.

### 3. to die

phrasal verb · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a very informal and sometimes disrespectful way to say someone has died.

For teachers: to expire or pass away. This sense is highly informal and carries a blunt, sometimes irreverent tone that may be inappropriate in sensitive contexts.

- The old cat finally conked out at the age of eighteen.
- He joked that he wanted to conk out while doing something he loved rather than in a hospital bed.

Teaching tip: Advise learners to avoid this sense in formal or sympathetic situations, as it can sound cold or overly casual regarding death.

## Examples

- My old car finally conked out on the highway.
- I was so tired after the long hike that I conked out on the sofa before dinner.
- The air conditioning unit conked out during the peak of the heatwave, leaving the office staff in an unbearable environment.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: this is a great example of an onomatopoeic phrasal verb where the sound 'conk' suggests a sudden mechanical stop or a blow to the head.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.