cop-out

also cop·out (kŏp'out')
n. Slang

1. A failure to fulfill a commitment or responsibility or to face a difficulty squarely.
2. A person who fails to fulfill a commitment or responsibility.
3. An excuse for inaction or evasion.

View more Literature & Language videos

Back out of a responsibility or commitment; also, take the easy way out. For example, Don't count on him; he's been known to fake illness and cop out, or She'll cop out and let her assistant do all the work. These meanings are derived from the underworld slang use of cop out for backing down or surrendering. [Late 1950s]

v

Definition: abandon, quit
Antonyms: be ready, face, ready, take on

IN BRIEF: n. - A failure to face some difficulty squarely.

LearnThatWord.com is a free vocabulary and spelling program where you only pay for results!

noun
noun

A cowardly or feeble evasion. (1967 —) .
Win Isn't it a cop-out to secede from New York State but remain a part of the nation? (1969).

[From to cop out (see cop verb 3).]

Previous:	cop, cootie, coon
Next:	cop-shop, copacetic, copper

See words rhyming with "copout."