"stuck with" vs "stuck to"

Question

"stuck with" vs "stuck to"

Both 'stuck to' and 'stuck with' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Stuck to' is used when referring to physically adhering to something, while 'stuck with' is used when talking about being burdened with something or someone.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use 'stuck with' when describing being burdened with something or someone, often in a negative sense. It implies being in a situation where one has to deal with or accept something unwanted.

Examples:

I'm stuck with this old computer until I can afford a new one.
She got stuck with the worst roommate in the dorm.
He's stuck with the responsibility of taking care of his younger siblings.
We're stuck with this rainy weather for the weekend.
They're stuck with a lot of debt after the business failed.

Alternatives:

burdened with
encumbered with
saddled with
stuck dealing with
left with

Use 'stuck to' when describing being physically attached or adhered to something. It implies a physical connection or sticking to an object.

Examples:

The gum got stuck to my shoe.
The magnet was stuck to the refrigerator.
The sticker wouldn't come off; it was stuck to the paper.
The paintbrush was stuck to the palette.
The tape was stuck to the box.

Alternatives:

adhered to
attached to
clung to
bonded to
affixed to

Answer 1

stuck with

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to being burdened with something or someone.

Answer 2

stuck to

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to physically adhering to something.

"stuck with" vs "stuck to"

stuck with

stuck to

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