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work around

B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To find a clever way to get something done even when there's something in your way.

Literal meaning: To physically go around a physical obstacle — the figurative sense is a natural extension.

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

To find an alternative method or solution that avoids or overcomes an obstacle, rule, or problem.

"We couldn't fix the software bug in time, so we worked around it by disabling that feature for the launch."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 neutral

To organise your activities or plans to fit in with someone else's schedule or constraints.

"Can we work around your Tuesday meeting and schedule the training for Wednesday instead?"

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Very common in professional, technical, and everyday contexts. The noun form 'workaround' (one word) is equally common and refers to the solution found. Frequently used in IT, business, and project management. 'Work around' (two words) is the verb; 'workaround' (one word) is the noun.

Commonly used with

problem issue limitation restriction obstacle schedule

Forms

Base
work around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
works around
he/she/it
Past simple
worked around
yesterday
Past participle
worked around
have + pp
-ing form
working around
continuous

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