cop-out

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

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

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

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

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

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

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A person who cops out.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “cop-out” mean?

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

Is “cop-out” formal or informal?

cop-out is generally slang.