# cop out

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cop-out
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He copped out the responsibility." but "He copped out of the responsibility." — the verb requires the preposition 'of' before a noun object.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.