1 B1 idiomatic informal
Of a machine or engine: to stop functioning suddenly.
"Our car conked out on the motorway and we had to call for assistance."
inseparable
conk out
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To suddenly stop working, or to fall asleep from exhaustion.
In plain English
When a machine suddenly stops working, or when you fall asleep because you are very tired.
What does "conk out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
Of a person: to fall asleep suddenly, especially from exhaustion.
"After the marathon, she conked out on the couch and didn't wake up for twelve hours."
inseparable
Usage tip
Common in informal British and American English. Very frequently used for machines or engines that break down unexpectedly, or for people who fall asleep from tiredness. Rarely used in formal writing.
Words that pair with "conk out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
engine car laptop sofa exhaustion immediately
How to conjugate "conk out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
conk out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
conks out
he/she/it
Past simple
conked out
yesterday
Past participle
conked out
have + pp
-ing form
conking out
continuous
Hear "conk out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "conk out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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