Meaning of It is what it is
A phrase used to express acceptance of a situation without trying to change it.
In simple words: Accept a situation as it is.
It is what it is in a sentence
- When the project failed despite our efforts, we just said, 'It is what it is.'
- He missed the bus again, and when I asked him why, he simply replied, 'It is what it is.'
- After losing the game, the coach told the team, 'It is what it is; let's learn from this.'
- She had to accept the changes at work, saying, 'It is what it is; we must adapt.'
- When plans fell through for the weekend, he shrugged and said, 'It is what it is.'
How to use It is what it is
Often used in casual conversation to express acceptance of a situation; may not be appropriate in formal contexts.
Grammar pattern
standalone phrase
Memory hint
Think of a situation where you just sigh and say, 'it is what it is.'
Related words
Collocations with It is what it is
- accept it as is
- deal with it
- live with it
Synonyms for It is what it is
- that's life
- such is life
- it can't be helped
Common mistakes with It is what it is
- Using it in a serious or formal discussion.
- Confusing it with 'that's how it goes' which has slightly different connotations.
- Misplacing the phrase in a sentence structure.
It is what it is appears in
It is what it is in other languages
- Arabicالعربية
هذا ما هو عليه
تقبل الوضع كما هو.
- GermanDeutsch
Es ist, wie es ist
Akzeptiere eine Situation, wie sie ist.
- SpanishEspañol
Es lo que es
Aceptar una situación tal como es.
- Persianفارسی
همینه که هست
یه وضعیتی رو همونجوری که هست قبول کن.
- FrenchFrançais
C'est comme ça
Accepter une situation telle qu'elle est.
- Hindiहिन्दी
जो है सो है
किसी स्थिति को वैसे ही स्वीकार कर लेना जैसी वह है।
- ItalianItaliano
È così e basta
Accetta una situazione per quella che è.
- PortuguesePortuguês
É o que é
Aceitar uma situação como ela é.
- RussianРусский
Что есть, то есть
Прими ситуацию такой, какая она есть.
- Chinese中文
就这样吧, 接受现实
接受现状,没法改变了。
More idioms like It is what it is
- RésuméB1
A document summarizing work experience and qualifications for jobs.
- Here's my résumé
A document summarizing a person's education, work experience, and skills.
- CurriculumB2
the subjects that are included in a course of study or taught in a school, college, etc.
- Curriculum vitae
A detailed document summarizing a person’s educational background and work experience.
- PrettyA1
to some extent; fairly
- Same thing pretty much
Indicates that two things are very similar or the same.
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Frequently asked questions about It is what it is
What does It is what it is mean?
Accept a situation as it is.
What is the definition of It is what it is?
A phrase used to express acceptance of a situation without trying to change it.
How do you use It is what it is in a sentence?
When the project failed despite our efforts, we just said, 'It is what it is.'
Can you give another example of It is what it is?
He missed the bus again, and when I asked him why, he simply replied, 'It is what it is.'
What are synonyms for It is what it is?
Common alternatives include that's life, such is life, it can't be helped.
What words go with It is what it is?
It commonly pairs with accept it as is, deal with it, live with it.
What are common mistakes when using It is what it is?
Using it in a serious or formal discussion. Confusing it with 'that's how it goes' which has slightly different connotations. Misplacing the phrase in a sentence structure.
How do you pronounce It is what it is?
US: //ɪt ɪz wɑt ɪt ɪz//, UK: //ɪt ɪz wɒt ɪt ɪz//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.
Is It is what it is formal or informal?
"It is what it is" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.
When should I use It is what it is?
Often used in casual conversation to express acceptance of a situation; may not be appropriate in formal contexts.







