Word
abandoning
Phoneticsaban·don·ing
US/əˈbændənɪŋ/
UK/ɐbˈændənɪŋ/
Definitions
01leaving behind
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. leaving a person, place, or thing forever, especially when you should stay.
v. the act of deserting or leaving a person, place, or thing permanently, often in breach of a duty or responsibility.
“The sailors were seen abandoning the sinking ship in small lifeboats.”
“The sudden influx of refugees led to many families abandoning their ancestral homes in search of safety across the border.”
Usage
Often used in the continuous aspect to describe an unfolding crisis or emergency.
Antonyms
02stopping an activity
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. stopping a plan or activity before it is finished because it is too difficult.
v. ceasing a course of action or activity before completion, typically due to external pressure or lack of success.
“The team is considering abandoning the project because it costs too much.”
“After several failed attempts to reach the summit, the climbers were forced into abandoning the expedition due to deteriorating weather conditions.”
Usage
Commonly followed by a noun phrase representing a project, plan, or idea.
Antonyms
03the act of neglect
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of leaving someone or something without help or care.
n. the act of desertion or the state of being forsaken; functions as a gerundial noun.
“The abandoning of the old factory led to many problems in the town.”
“The systematic abandoning of rural infrastructure has resulted in a significant decline in the local population's quality of life.”
Usage
Usually preceded by 'the' and followed by 'of'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “abandoning” in context.
Verb
01. consider abandoning the project
“The board had to consider abandoning the project after the funding was cut.”
verb + noun
02. justify abandoning their principles
“It is difficult to justify abandoning their principles just to win the election.”
verb + noun
03. risk abandoning the mission
“If the weather worsens, the team will risk abandoning the mission entirely.”
verb + noun
Noun
04. consequences of abandoning the agreement
“The legal consequences of abandoning the agreement could be very severe.”
noun + of + noun
05. guilt of abandoning the family
“He struggled with the guilt of abandoning the family during such a difficult time.”
noun + of + noun
Adverb
06. completely abandoning the plan
“They are completely abandoning the plan in favor of a more modern approach.”
adv + verb + noun
07. hastily abandoning the building
“The residents were seen hastily abandoning the building when the alarm sounded.”
adv + verb + noun
Real-World Examples
“The IOPC said officers had followed the Passat for almost seven minutes before abandoning the pursuit when the car went the wrong way down the A66 at South Bank.” “Canada had already dropped that position, however, previously abandoning elements of digital services tax.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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