# cope with

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to deal successfully with a difficult situation or problem.

For teachers: to manage or contend with a stressful or challenging situation, often implying an emotional or psychological effort to maintain control.

## Examples

- He finds it hard to cope with his new job.
- After the factory closed, many families struggled to cope with the sudden loss of income.
- Psychologists suggest that developing strong social networks is essential for helping individuals cope with the long-term effects of trauma.

## Pitfalls

- Not "She is coping the stress well." but "She is coping with the stress well." — the verb 'cope' requires the preposition 'with' to connect to the object.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun or gerund representing the problem or stressor.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'manage' (more neutral) and 'handle' (more active); 'cope with' often focuses on the person's emotional resilience during the struggle.

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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.