1 A2 idiomatic informal
To repeatedly treat someone badly, unfairly, or unkindly; to bully.
"The other kids kept picking on him because he was the smallest in the class."
inseparable
pick on
A2 informal inseparable transitive
To repeatedly treat someone in an unkind or unfair way; to bully or persistently target someone.
In plain English
To be mean or unfair to someone, especially the same person again and again.
What does "pick on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 idiomatic informal
To single out a particular person unfairly for criticism or a difficult task.
"The manager always seems to pick on the same employees when anything goes wrong."
inseparable
Usage tip
Very commonly used in the context of bullying, especially among children and teenagers. Adults also use it to describe unfair treatment in the workplace or in other social settings. Often heard in the protest 'Why are you always picking on me?' Commonly used in both British and American English.
Words that pair with "pick on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
bully younger weaker someone target victim
How to conjugate "pick on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pick on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
picks on
he/she/it
Past simple
picked on
yesterday
Past participle
picked on
have + pp
-ing form
picking on
continuous
Hear "pick on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "pick on"
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Keep exploring
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