Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

cop-out

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.37 in modern English

Syllables: cop-out
IPA

10

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

2

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

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

Slang

noun

An excuse made in order to avoid performing a task or duty; a reason offered when someone cops out.

Slang

noun

A person who cops out.

Slang

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."

Etymology

Deverbal from cop out.

Usage

Slang

Inflected Forms

cop-outs (plural) copout (alternative)

Questions

What does cop-out mean?: Avoidance or inadequate performance of a task or duty; the action of copping out.
Where does cop-out come from?: Deverbal from cop out.

How to pronounce cop-out

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “cop-out”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
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Repeat and practice — Say “cop-out” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.