copout
Avoiding the responsibility
A copout is an evasion of responsibility or commitment, typically one that disappoints others who were counting on you.
Someone who backs out of a difficult situation or avoids taking a stand when one is expected may be accused of copping out.
Blaming the weather was such a copout.
The term carries connotations of weakness or dishonesty—taking the easy way out rather than facing consequences or honoring obligations.
Avoiding obligatory tasks
- dodgingAvoiding by moving aside
- sidesteppingMoving aside to avoid
- duckingBending to avoid impact
- avoidanceDeliberate keeping away
circumventing · bypassing · skirting · deflecting · weaseling · hedging · equivocating · backpedaling
Fabricated motive concealing truth
- justificationReason proving rightness
- alibiDefense of location
- rationalizationInventing acceptable motives afterward
- explanationStatement making something clear
cover-up · whitewash · dodge · subterfuge · fabrication · story · spin · pretense
Failure to satisfy expectations
- anticlimaxDisappointing conclusion after buildup
- failureLack of success
- selloutCompromiser of integrity
- betrayalBreaking of trust
disillusionment · bummer · downer · dissatisfaction · weakness · capitulation · surrender · compromise
Tendency to shed layers
- irresponsibilityFailure to meet obligations
- undependabilityTrait of failing commitments
- untrustworthinessBeing unreliable or deceitful
- inconsistencyLack of steady pattern
fickleness · halfheartedness · laziness · slacking · negligence · carelessness · apathy · indifference
shirking
Avoiding obligatory tasks
- dodgingAvoiding by moving aside
- sidesteppingMoving aside to avoid
- duckingBending to avoid impact
avoidance · circumventing · bypassing · skirting · deflecting · weaseling · hedging · equivocating · backpedaling · stonewalling
pretext
Fabricated motive concealing truth
- justificationReason proving rightness
- alibiDefense of location
- rationalizationInventing acceptable motives afterward
explanation · cover-up · whitewash · dodge · subterfuge · fabrication · story · spin · pretense · smokescreen
letdown
Failure to satisfy expectations
- anticlimaxDisappointing conclusion after buildup
- failureLack of success
- selloutCompromiser of integrity
betrayal · disillusionment · bummer · downer · dissatisfaction · weakness · capitulation · surrender · compromise · cave-in
flakiness
Tendency to shed layers
- irresponsibilityFailure to meet obligations
- undependabilityTrait of failing commitments
- untrustworthinessBeing unreliable or deceitful
inconsistency · fickleness · halfheartedness · laziness · slacking · negligence · carelessness · apathy · indifference
copoutcommitment
Firm pledge to act
dedication · follow-through · perseverance · accountability · fulfillment
copoutconfrontation
Direct hostile encounter
bravery · courage · boldness · facing the music · guts
copoutgoing all in
maximum effort · putting in the work · rising to the occasion · going the extra mile