Phrase guide

pull one's weight

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To contribute fairly and proportionately to a group effort; to do the work that one is obligated to.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • He isn't really pulling his weight at work.
  • If one shares a flat one should be prepared to pull one’s weight in cleaning it.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: carry one's weight

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

do one's share in a common task

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Bob has never pulled his weight, and we all have to work harder to make up for his laziness

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: work

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.