1 A2 idiomatic neutral
To accept or tolerate something unpleasant or annoying without actively opposing it.
"I've put up with his loud music for months, but now I'm going to say something."
inseparable
put up with
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To tolerate or accept something unpleasant, annoying, or difficult without complaining strongly.
In plain English
To accept something bad or difficult without stopping it or leaving, even if you don't like it.
What does "put up with" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 idiomatic neutral
To accept an unsatisfactory situation or condition without trying to change it.
"Workers were expected to put up with poor conditions and long hours for very little pay."
inseparable
Usage tip
One of the most common phrasal verbs in English and essential for all learners. Always inseparable. The object can be a person, thing, or situation. Often conveys reluctant acceptance rather than true contentment. Common in questions and negatives: 'I won't put up with this anymore.'
Words that pair with "put up with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
noise behavior rudeness stress conditions anymore
How to conjugate "put up with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
put up with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
puts up with
he/she/it
Past simple
put up with
yesterday
Past participle
put up with
have + pp
-ing form
putting up with
continuous
Hear "put up with" in the wild
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