借口 (jiè kǒu): Use as an excuse (Noun) — Meaning & Stroke Order

He left the meeting early on the pretext of feeling unwell.

You're not going to use procrastination as an excuse to not submit this report again, are you?

The company cannot use market fluctuations as a pretext to shirk its due social responsibilities.

You're late again this time; have you found some new excuse?