unable to cope

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unable to cope" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is struggling to manage or deal with a situation or stress. Example: "After the sudden loss of her job, she felt overwhelmed and unable to cope with the mounting pressure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unable to cope.

The Guardian - Opinion

Organized medicine would be unable to cope.

MIT Technology Review

His mother seemed unable to cope.

The New York Times

The city's hospitals are unable to cope.

The Economist

The BBC has proved unable to cope.

The Guardian - Opinion

But no one seemed to be unable to cope.

Stanford University

That's why the E.U. is unable to cope.

The New Yorker

Local services complain about being unable to cope.

The Guardian

Overdose, deliberate self-harm and sometimes simply "unable to cope".

The Guardian - Opinion

Ibn Saʿ��d was unable to cope with financial adventurers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Even the smartest farmers may be unable to cope.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unable to cope", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is struggling to manage. Providing specific details enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "unable to cope" without specifying the source of the inability. For example, instead of saying "He was unable to cope", clarify with "He was unable to cope with the stress of the new job".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unable to cope" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. According to Ludwig, it describes a state of being overwhelmed or lacking the capacity to manage a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0.01%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "unable to cope" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of being overwhelmed or lacking the capacity to manage a situation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. While alternatives like "overwhelmed" or "struggling to handle" exist, the phrase remains a clear and direct way to express an inability to manage. When using this phrase, clarity is key; specify the source of the inability to provide context and enhance understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cannot handle

A more direct way of saying that someone lacks the capacity to deal with something.

incapable of managing

Focuses on a general lack of ability to manage, not specifically coping with a challenge.

overwhelmed

Highlights the feeling of being burdened beyond one's capacity.

struggling to handle

Emphasizes the effort being made, though unsuccessfully, to deal with something.

in over one's head

Similar to "out of one's depth", implying a situation is too challenging.

at wit's end

Implies a state of desperation and exhaustion in dealing with a problem.

out of one's depth

Suggests being in a situation too difficult to understand or manage.

unequal to the task

Suggests a mismatch between one's abilities and the demands of the task.

lacking the resources to manage

Focuses on the deficiency of resources, whether tangible or intangible.

finding it too much to bear

Highlights the emotional strain and difficulty in enduring a situation.

FAQs

How can I use "unable to cope" in a sentence?

You can use "unable to cope" to describe a person or entity that is struggling to manage a situation. For example: "The city's hospitals are "unable to cope" with the influx of patients."

What are some alternatives to "unable to cope"?

Some alternatives to "unable to cope" include "overwhelmed", "struggling to handle", or "cannot handle", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "unable to cope" or "struggling to cope"?

"Unable to cope" indicates a lack of capacity, while "struggling to cope" suggests an ongoing effort. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the inability or the effort.

What does it mean when someone says they are "unable to cope"?

When someone says they are "unable to cope", it means they feel overwhelmed and lack the capacity or resources to effectively manage a situation or problem. They may be experiencing significant stress and feeling helpless.