cop–out 
/ˈkɑ:pˌaʊt/ noun
plural cop–outs /ˈkɑ:pˌaʊt/ noun [count] informal + disapproving 1 : an excuse for not doing something
▪ He played poorly and used his recent illness as a cop-out. ▪ She says she doesn't have the time, but that's just a cop-out. [=she really does have the time] 2 : something that avoids dealing with a problem in an appropriate way
▪ The ending of the book is a disappointing cop-out. — see also cop out at 2cop
▪ He played poorly and used his recent illness as a cop-out. ▪ She says she doesn't have the time, but that's just a cop-out. [=she really does have the time]
▪ The ending of the book is a disappointing cop-out. — see also cop out at 2cop
