Phrasal verb
cop out
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
cop out
Past
copped out
Past participle
copped out
Definition
phrasal verb. to avoid doing something you should do because you are afraid or lazy. You use this when someone makes an excuse to get out of a difficult task — like suddenly having a 'headache' when it is time to clean.
phrasal verb. to withdraw from a commitment or responsibility, typically by using a pretext or excuse. The verb is intransitive and carries a pejorative connotation of cowardice or lack of integrity.
Examples
“He always cops out when the work gets difficult.”
“I was supposed to run the marathon with Sarah, but she copped out at the last minute because she didn't want to train in the rain.”
“Rather than addressing the systemic issues within the department, the manager chose to cop out by blaming the junior staff for the project's failure.”
Examples
simple
“He always cops out when the work gets difficult.”
contextual
“I was supposed to run the marathon with Sarah, but she copped out at the last minute because she didn't want to train in the rain.”
complex
“Rather than addressing the systemic issues within the department, the manager chose to cop out by blaming the junior staff for the project's failure.”
Usage
often followed by the preposition 'of' when specifying the activity being avoided.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'back out' (more neutral) and 'chicken out' (implies fear); 'cop out' implies a moral or effort-based failure.
Pitfall
He copped out the responsibility.
He copped out of the responsibility.
the verb requires the preposition 'of' before a noun object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
out
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
cop + out
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word family
NOUN
PHRASAL VERB
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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