1. a hard, stony residue left after coal or other fuel has been burned
2. a brick that has been overburned or damaged during firing, making it hard and discolored
Usage: construction
3. something that fails or is unsuccessful; a flop
Usage: informal

Examples

• The furnace was clogged with clinker from the burned coal.
• The mason sorted through the bricks, setting aside the clinkers.
• That movie was a real clinker—nobody wanted to watch it.
• The engine produced clinker buildup that reduced its efficiency.
• Her first novel was a clinker, but her second book was well-received.