1 B2 idiomatic informal
To continue working at something difficult or tedious without giving up.
"Learning a language is hard, but if you stick at it, you'll get there."
inseparable
stick at
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To continue working on something difficult without giving up.
In plain English
Keep trying at something hard and don't quit.
What does "stick at" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic formal
(Dated) To hesitate or have scruples about doing something morally questionable.
"He would not stick at dishonesty if he thought it would help him win."
inseparable
Usage tip
More common in British English. Often used as encouragement. The phrase 'nothing to stick at' means there is no moral objection to something, but this sense is dated.
Words that pair with "stick at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
task job learning practice study problem
How to conjugate "stick at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
stick at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sticks at
he/she/it
Past simple
stuck at
yesterday
Past participle
stuck at
have + pp
-ing form
sticking at
continuous
Hear "stick at" in the wild
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Other ways to say "stick at"
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