# funk

/ˈfəŋk/ (US) · /fˈʌŋk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/funk
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. music style

noun · CEFR B1

a type of dance music with a strong beat and a prominent bass guitar.

For teachers: a genre of popular music originating in the 1960s, characterized by syncopated rhythms and a strong emphasis on the bass line.

- The band played some classic funk that got everyone on the dance floor.
- The bassist's mastery of funk rhythms provided the backbone for the entire ensemble's improvisational performance.

### 2. a bad mood

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a state of feeling sad, bored, or without energy for a period of time.

For teachers: a state of depression, gloom, or mental stagnation.

- I've been in a bit of a funk lately and haven't felt like going out.
- It took several weeks of travel and new experiences for him to finally shake off the creative funk that had stalled his writing.

### 3. a bad smell

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal · Slang

a strong and unpleasant smell, often from sweat or a dirty room.

For teachers: a strong, offensive odour, typically referring to body odour or stagnant air.

- The locker room had a heavy funk of old sweat and damp towels.
- After the week-long camping trip, a noticeable funk had permeated all of their gear and clothing.

### 4. fear or panic

noun · CEFR C2 · British English · Informal

a state of great fear or nervousness that makes you act like a coward.

For teachers: a state of intense fear or cowardly panic.

- He got into a real funk when he realised he had to give the speech.
- The sudden market crash sent many inexperienced investors into a blind funk, leading to irrational selling.

### 5. to avoid through fear

verb · CEFR C2 · British English · Informal

to avoid doing something because you are afraid.

For teachers: to shrink from or evade a task or duty due to fear or lack of courage.

- He was supposed to go skydiving, but he funked it at the last minute.
- Despite his earlier bravado, he funked the challenge when he saw the height of the climbing wall.

## Examples

- I have been in a funk all week and cannot focus.
- After her favorite show ended, she fell into a bit of a funk and didn't feel like going out.
- The team's recent string of losses has left the players in a collective funk that the coach is struggling to break before the playoffs begin.

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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.