B2verb1K

Tackle

UK /["/ˈtækl/","/ˈtæklz/","/ˈtækld/","/ˈtæklɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈtækl/","/ˈtæklz/","/ˈtækld/","/ˈtæklɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to make a determined effort to deal with a difficult problem or situation

In simple words: To deal with or try to solve a problem.

Examples

  • The government is determined to tackle inflation.
  • I think I'll tackle the repairs next weekend.
  • Firefighters tackled a blaze in a garage last night.
  • The drugs problem has to be tackled head-on.
  • The problem is being tackled with a range of measures.
  • We are failing to tackle the key issues.
  • I tackled him about the money he owed me.
  • He was tackled just outside the penalty area.
  • He can run fast and tackle hard.
  • He tackled a masked intruder at his home.

Usage notes

Use 'tackle' in discussions about addressing issues or challenges. It fits in both casual and professional contexts but might sound too informal in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

tackle + object

Memory hint

Think of a football player tackling an opponent to solve the play!

Collocations

  • properly
  • seriously
  • directly
  • attempt to
  • try to
  • help (to)
  • with
  • tackle somebody to the floor
  • tackle somebody to the ground
  • hard
  • hard
  • properly
  • seriously
  • directly
  • attempt to
  • try to
  • help (to)
  • with
  • tackle somebody to the floor
  • tackle somebody to the ground

Synonyms

  • address
  • confront
  • approach
  • deal with
  • grapple with

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • avoid
  • shun

Common mistakes

  • 'Tackle' is sometimes used incorrectly as a noun. Remember it's mostly a verb.
  • Learners often confuse it with 'tackle' as in sports, forgetting the problem-solving meaning.
  • Using 'tackle' without an object, e.g., 'I will tackle,' instead of 'I will tackle the problem.'