# cope with sth

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cope-with-sth
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to deal successfully with a difficult situation or a heavy workload.

For teachers: to manage or contend with a stressful or challenging situation effectively; often implies maintaining emotional or operational stability under pressure.

## Examples

- He finds it hard to cope with the stress of his new job.
- The local hospital is struggling to cope with the sudden increase in patients during the winter flu season.
- Psychologists suggest that developing strong social networks is essential for helping people cope with the long-term effects of traumatic life events.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She is coping the pressure well." but "She is coping with the pressure well." — the verb 'cope' requires the preposition 'with' when followed by an object.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun phrase representing a problem, stressor, or responsibility.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'manage' (more neutral) and 'handle' (more active); 'cope with' often highlights the emotional or psychological effort required to survive a situation.

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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.