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What is "cop-out"

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
cop-out
noun
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
▪ Putting the blame on your parents for your problems is a cop-out.
EXAMPLES FROM CORPUS
▪ Is that not a political cop-out?
▪ The creation of such multiple scenarios is not really a cop-out.
▪ There was plenty to do on your own doorstep - to look further was a cop-out.
▪ This is a cop-out, and it is false on the counts both of principle and fact.
▪ This is, really, a cop-out, and can be an expensive one.
▪ This kind of cop-out is also likely to undermine the parents' credibility and the trust put in them.
Wiktionary
cop-out

alt. 1 (context idiomatic English) avoidance or inadequate performance of a task or duty; the action of cop out. 2 (context idiomatic English) An excuse made in order to avoid performing a task or duty; a reason offered when someone cops out. 3 (context idiomatic English) A person who cops out. n. 1 (context idiomatic English) avoidance or inadequate performance of a task or duty; the action of cop out. 2 (context idiomatic English) An excuse made in order to avoid performing a task or duty; a reason offered when someone cops out. 3 (context idiomatic English) A person who cops out.

Wikipedia
Cop-Out

Usage examples of "cop-out".

In fact, values can be used in harmful ways: a source of guilt, a cop-out that appeases your conscience ("I'm not doing much but I have wonderful values"), a device for putting down others ("my values are better than yours"), etc.

Bit of a cop-out ending though, having the hero fall through the roof of a circus tent and then just wake up in his own bed.