Cop-out

Pronunciation varies by accent · noun

Meaning

(slang) Avoidance or inadequate performance of a task or duty; the action of copping out..

Definitions by Sense

1. (slang) Avoidance or inadequate performance of a task or duty; the action of copping out.
2. (slang) An excuse made in order to avoid performing a task or duty; a reason offered when someone cops out.
3. (slang) A person who cops out.

Example Sentences

His disappearance on the day of the audition was just a cop-out.

In the book, his conclusion is simple: capitalism is kaput, celebrity charity won’t plug holes, revolution is the only solution. Yet it also feels like a bit of a cop-out: he insists all this can be achieved through love, peace and understanding.

“It’s interesting what he stayed away from,” said Cameron. “Look, I love the film-making, but I did feel that it was a bit of a moral cop-out.”

It was a cop-out to say he couldn't sign the petition because he sprained his wrist.

He's always a cop-out when there's hard work to be done.

Even when they are talking one-on-one, we aren't allowed to see behind the posturing and emblematic language. The major exception to this is Da Mayor […] who is both scorned and respected, seen as both a cop-out and a hero.

Synonyms for cop-out

Antonyms for cop-out

Related Words

Word Forms

• cop-outs
• copout

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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