a small, thin piece of something, especially if it has come from a surface covered with a layer of something, a person who is unreliable and often changes their mind or plans, to come off a surface in small, thin pieces

flake off, flake out, flake out on

Formal and Informal Expressions of flake

In different contexts, you can replace 'flake' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'fragment, particle' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'bit, piece' is a commonplace synonym.

flake: Explore its Definition & Usage

flake Definition

1a small, thin piece of something, especially if it has come from a surface covered with a layer of something
2a person who is unreliable and often changes their mind or plans
3to come off a surface in small, thin pieces

Using flake: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "flake" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
There were flakes of paint on the floor.
Example
She's such a flake - she never shows up when she says she will.
Example
The paint on the walls was flaking off.
Example
I'm sorry, I can't come tonight. I'm flaking out.

flake Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for flake

chip
shard
sliver
fragment
crumb
cancel
flake out
back out

Phrases with flake

flake off
to come off a surface in small, thin pieces
Example
The paint on the walls was flaking off.
flake out
to suddenly fall asleep or become unconscious, or to suddenly feel very tired or weak
Example
I was so tired that I flaked out on the couch.
flake out on
to fail to do something that you said you would do, or to cancel plans that you have made with someone
Example
He flaked out on me at the last minute and didn't show up for our meeting.

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Summary: flake in Brief

The term 'flake' [fleɪk] refers to a small, thin piece of something, or a person who is unreliable and often changes their mind or plans. It can also mean to come off a surface in small, thin pieces, as in 'The paint on the walls was flaking off.' 'Flake' extends into phrases like 'flake out,' meaning to suddenly fall asleep or become unconscious, and 'flake out on,' referring to failing to do something or canceling plans.