verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

tackle

TA-kuhl

Tackle (verb) means to confront and deal with a difficult problem or task head-on. Example: “The council finally decided to tackle the housing shortage.”

verb

To confront and deal with a difficult problem or task head-on.

"The council finally decided to tackle the housing shortage."

"She tackled her overflowing inbox first thing Monday morning."

To physically bring an opponent to the ground or take the ball from them, as in rugby, football, or soccer.

"The defender tackled him just outside the penalty area."

noun

Equipment or gear, especially for fishing, or the act of tackling an opponent in sport.

"He packed his fishing tackle before dawn."

"That was a clean tackle right on the whistle."

How to use tackle

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo take on a problem directly, to physically stop an opponent in sport, or the equipment used for a task like fishing.

Common pairings

tackle a problem fishing tackle a rugby tackle tackle an issue head-on

Word forms

tackled past tense, tackles plural, tackles singular

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Can you complete this real example?

The council finally decided to _____ the housing shortage.

Etymology

From Middle English takel, "gear" or "apparatus," related to a Middle Dutch word for ship's rigging.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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confront undertake grapple with take on handle attack

Related words

do feel name face deal meet hold round

Rhymes for tackle

cackle shackle crackle

See all rhymes for tackle →

Frequently asked questions

What does “tackle” mean?

The word “tackle” means to confront and deal with a difficult problem or task head-on. In plain terms, to take on a problem directly, to physically stop an opponent in sport, or the equipment used for a task like fishing.

How do you pronounce “tackle”?

“Tackle” is pronounced TA-kuhl (/ˈtækəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “tackle” in a sentence?

Here is “tackle” used in a sentence: “The council finally decided to tackle the housing shortage.”

What part of speech is “tackle”?

Depending on how it is used, “tackle” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “tackle” come from?

The word “tackle” comes from Middle English. From Middle English takel, "gear" or "apparatus," related to a Middle Dutch word for ship's rigging.

Is “tackle” a common word?

“Tackle” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “tackle” have?

“Tackle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to confront and deal with a difficult problem or task head-on.

What is the difference between "tackle" and "address" a problem?

Both mean to deal with a problem, but "tackle" suggests energetic, hands-on effort to confront something difficult head-on. "Address" is more neutral and formal, meaning simply to turn attention to an issue. You might "tackle" a backlog with determination but "address" a concern in a meeting.

When should you use "tackle" instead of "handle"?

Use "tackle" when you want to stress actively confronting a difficult task or problem that requires effort. "Handle" suggests managing or coping with something, sometimes routinely. "Tackle the debt" implies a deliberate push, while "handle the debt" implies keeping it under control.

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