cop-out
Shirking the responsibility
A cop-out is an evasion of responsibility or commitment—a way of avoiding something difficult by taking an easier path.
Someone who cops out backs away from a challenge or obligation.
The term often carries contempt: Blaming your childhood is such a cop-out.
A cop-out answer dodges the real question.
Avoiding obligatory tasks
- duckingBending to avoid impact
- sidesteppingMoving aside to avoid
- dodgingAvoiding by moving aside
- eludingEscaping or avoiding skillfully
skirting · bypassing · circumventing · escape · retreat · withdrawal · backing out · bailing
Defense of location
- pretextFabricated motive concealing truth
- justificationReason proving rightness
- rationaleStated basis for action
- explanationStatement making something clear
dodge · loophole · deflection · cover-up · whitewash · fabrication · story · plea
Failure to satisfy expectations
- anticlimaxDisappointing conclusion after buildup
- disillusionmentBitter loss of faith
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
- dissatisfactionState of being displeased
discontent · frustration · chagrin · betrayal · sellout · failure · weakness · cowardice
Avoiding effort deliberately
- loafingPassing time idly
- half-assingDoing something carelessly
- minimal effortSmallest exertion needed
- path of least resistanceCourse requiring least effort
shortcut · quick fix · band-aid solution · stopgap · procrastination · indolence · apathy · complacency
shirking
Avoiding obligatory tasks
- duckingBending to avoid impact
- sidesteppingMoving aside to avoid
- dodgingAvoiding by moving aside
eluding · skirting · bypassing · circumventing · escape · retreat · withdrawal · backing out · bailing · chickening out
alibi
Defense of location
- pretextFabricated motive concealing truth
- justificationReason proving rightness
- rationaleStated basis for action
explanation · dodge · loophole · deflection · cover-up · whitewash · fabrication · story · plea · defense
letdown
Failure to satisfy expectations
- anticlimaxDisappointing conclusion after buildup
- disillusionmentBitter loss of faith
- dismayDistressed loss of courage
dissatisfaction · discontent · frustration · chagrin · betrayal · sellout · failure · weakness · cowardice · spinelessness
slacking
Avoiding effort deliberately
- loafingPassing time idly
- half-assingDoing something carelessly
- minimal effortSmallest exertion needed
path of least resistance · shortcut · quick fix · band-aid solution · stopgap · procrastination · indolence · apathy · complacency · underachievement
- excusesexcuse, not my fault, overslept, alibi, excuses
- justificationsjustification, rationale, reason, excuse, explanation
- evasionevasion, avoiding, avoids, evade, dodging
- blamin'fault, guilt, accusing, finger-pointing, scapegoat
- half-measuresband-aid, token effort, lip service, stopgap, quick fix
- weak responsesshrug, mumble, stammer, hesitation, evasion
cop-outcommitment
Firm pledge to act
follow-through · accountability · dedication · responsibility · perseverance
cop-outfacing the music
Accepting responsibility for actions
confrontation · bold move · guts · backbone · bravery