# flak

/ˈfɫæk/ (US) · /flˈæk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/flak
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

strong criticism or complaints from people. You usually get flak when you make a decision that others do not like.

For teachers: strong, often public criticism or opposition. Derived from the term for anti-aircraft fire, it is used figuratively in informal contexts to describe verbal attacks.

## Examples

- The manager took a lot of flak for the new rules.
- The government is catching flak from environmental groups after approving the new coal mine.
- Despite the initial flak from traditionalists, the architect's radical redesign of the city square eventually won several international awards for its innovative use of space.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verbs 'take', 'get', 'catch', or 'give'.

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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.