Clunkers

The word "clunkers" refers to old, dilapidated, and often unreliable vehicles or machines. It often implies a lack of functionality, an undesirable appearance, and a general state of disrepair. These items are typically beyond their prime and are no longer considered valuable or desirable, frequently associated with being noisy, slow, and inefficient. The term suggests a sense of age and neglect, suggesting the object is on its last legs and may break down at any time. It often applies to cars but can extend to other machinery, gadgets, or even people, characterizing someone or something as past their best.

Clunkers meaning with examples

• My grandfather finally traded in his old clunker, a beat-up Ford pickup truck that had seen better days, for a new, more fuel-efficient model. It sputtered and smoked but always managed to get him where he needed to go. It was the last of his faithful workhorses and a significant turning point.
• The junkyard was filled with rows of abandoned clunkers, rusted hulks of vehicles waiting to be scrapped. The metal skeletons held the stories of countless miles, representing the forgotten past. The sunlight glinted off the decaying paint as the wind whispered through the vacant spaces.
• After years of neglect, the old washing machine was clearly a clunker; it vibrated violently and leaked water, becoming a burden to maintain. It sounded like a herd of elephants in a tin shack, but always managed to clean the clothes.
• The mechanic knew right away the car was a clunker. Between the smoke, the rattling engine, and the bald tires, he knew the old vehicle was on its way out. It was a ticking time bomb that was not worth repairing.