is stuck with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is stuck with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is burdened or obligated to deal with something or someone, often against their will. Example: "After the project was assigned, she felt like she was stuck with a difficult team member who didn't contribute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sony is stuck with it.

Independent

China is stuck with it.

The Economist

Now the island is stuck with it.

University of California, Berkeley

But Rim is stuck with the PlayBook.

The Guardian - Tech

Worse, he is stuck with 200 bicycles.

The New York Times

And now their legacy code is stuck with double.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

At worst, he is stuck with a record he loves.

The New York Times - Tech

The world is stuck with too little demand.

The Economist

"That's just something the worm is stuck with.

The New York Times - Science

If it overpays, the taxpayer is stuck with the loss.

The New York Times

But for now, Mrs. Kirchner is stuck with him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is stuck with" to clearly convey a sense of obligation or lack of better options. This phrase is effective when you want to express a feeling of being trapped or burdened by a person, thing, or situation.

Common error

Avoid using "is stuck with" when there is a clear element of personal choice involved. The phrase implies a lack of viable alternatives, so it's inaccurate if someone willingly chose the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is stuck with" functions as a copular verb followed by an adjective phrase, indicating a state of being burdened or obligated. Ludwig examples show it describes situations where someone has no easy way out, implying a lack of control or choice.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is stuck with" is a versatile phrase used to convey a sense of obligation or being burdened by a situation, person, or thing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "is burdened with" or "is saddled with" exist, "is stuck with" effectively communicates a lack of choice and a feeling of being trapped. When using the phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects a lack of alternatives to avoid misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is burdened with

Emphasizes the weight or difficulty of the situation more directly.

is saddled with

Implies a heavy burden or responsibility that is difficult to get rid of.

is constrained by

Highlights the limitation or restriction imposed by the situation.

is hampered by

Focuses on the impediment or obstacle that the situation presents.

is obliged to accept

Stresses the lack of choice and the compulsory nature of the situation.

is resigned to

Indicates acceptance, often reluctantly, of a difficult situation.

is left with

Highlights the consequence of being in a situation where no other options are available.

is forced to contend with

Emphasizes the struggle or effort required to deal with the situation.

has no choice but to

Explicitly states the lack of alternatives and the necessity to accept.

must put up with

Highlights the unpleasantness of the situation and the need to tolerate it.

FAQs

How can I use "is stuck with" in a sentence?

Use "is stuck with" to indicate a lack of better options, implying someone is obligated to deal with a person, thing, or situation. For example: "The company is stuck with outdated software because they can't afford to upgrade."

What can I say instead of "is stuck with"?

You can use alternatives like "is burdened with", "is saddled with", or "is constrained by" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is stuck with"?

Use "is stuck with" when there is a genuine sense of obligation or lack of viable alternatives. Avoid using it when there is a clear element of choice involved.

What's the difference between "is stuck with" and "is dealing with"?

"Is stuck with" implies a lack of control and limited options, whereas "is dealing with" suggests active management of a situation, regardless of whether it was chosen or imposed.