abandoning
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1 leaving behind (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateleaving a person, place, or thing forever, especially when you should stay.
the act of deserting or leaving a person, place, or thing permanently, often in breach of a duty or responsibility.
ExampleThe sailors were seen abandoning the sinking ship in small lifeboats.
ExampleThe sudden influx of refugees led to many families abandoning their ancestral homes in search of safety across the border.
UsageOften used in the continuous aspect to describe an unfolding crisis or emergency.
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2 stopping an activity (v.) B2 Upper Intermediatestopping a plan or activity before it is finished because it is too difficult.
ceasing a course of action or activity before completion, typically due to external pressure or lack of success.
ExampleThe team is considering abandoning the project because it costs too much.
ExampleAfter several failed attempts to reach the summit, the climbers were forced into abandoning the expedition due to deteriorating weather conditions.
UsageCommonly followed by a noun phrase representing a project, plan, or idea.
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3 the act of neglect (n.) C1 Advanced Formalthe act of leaving someone or something without help or care.
the act of desertion or the state of being forsaken; functions as a gerundial noun.
ExampleThe abandoning of the old factory led to many problems in the town.
ExampleThe systematic abandoning of rural infrastructure has resulted in a significant decline in the local population's quality of life.
UsageUsually preceded by 'the' and followed by 'of'.