# abandoning

/əˈbændənɪŋ/ (US) · /ɐbˈændənɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abandoning
Updated: 2026-05-01

## Senses

### 1. leaving behind

verb · CEFR B2

leaving a person, place, or thing forever, especially when you should stay.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. stopping an activity

verb · CEFR B2

stopping a plan or activity before it is finished because it is too difficult.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. the act of neglect

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the act of leaving someone or something without help or care.

For teachers: 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'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.