stick at: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral, somewhat informal
Quick answer
What does “stick at” mean?
To continue diligently with a task or activity despite difficulty or tedium.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To continue diligently with a task or activity despite difficulty or tedium; to persevere.
Often implies persistence in the face of obstacles, boredom, or slow progress, with a focus on not giving up.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English. In American English, 'stick with it' or 'persevere' are often preferred, though 'stick at' is understood.
Connotations
In BrE, it often has connotations of dogged, British determination. In AmE, it can sound slightly quaint or British.
Frequency
High frequency in BrE, medium-low frequency in AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “stick at” in a Sentence
stick at + NP (noun phrase)stick at + it/this/thatVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stick at” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You'll never learn French if you don't stick at it.
- He stuck at the problem until he found a solution.
- She's not a natural runner, but she sticks at it every morning.
American English
- If you stick at it, your coding skills will improve.
- I admire how he sticks at such tedious work.
- Don't give up; just stick at the plan.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to encourage persistence with long-term projects or difficult clients: 'We need to stick at this marketing strategy for at least six months.'
Academic
Advice to students: 'Stick at your research, even when results are slow to appear.'
Everyday
Common in parental or coaching encouragement: 'Your piano playing is improving, just stick at it.'
Technical
Rare; more likely in contexts like software development or engineering to describe sustained debugging or problem-solving.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stick at”
- Using 'stick on' instead of 'stick at' ('He sticks on his studies' – incorrect). Confusing with 'stick to' (which means adhere to a plan/rule).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Stick at' means to persevere with an activity. 'Stick to' means to adhere to a plan, principle, or diet (e.g., 'stick to the schedule', 'stick to your promise').
It is neutral but slightly informal. In very formal writing, 'persevere with' or 'persist in' might be preferred.
It's less common. It typically describes tasks that require sustained effort over a longer period, implying a challenge or potential for giving up.
No, it is inseparable. You cannot say 'stick it at'. You can only say 'stick at it'.
To continue diligently with a task or activity despite difficulty or tedium.
Stick at: in British English it is pronounced /stɪk æt/, and in American English it is pronounced /stɪk æt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “If you stick at it, you'll succeed.”
- “It's hard, but stick at it!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a STICKer that is ATtached to a surface – it doesn't fall off, it persists. You STICK AT a task like a sticker stays stuck.
Conceptual Metaphor
PERSISTENCE IS ADHESION (sticking to something). DIFFICULT WORK IS A HARD SURFACE (requiring force to stay attached).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'stick at' correctly?