# aborted

/əˈbɔɹtɪd/ (US) · /ɐbˈɔːtɪd/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/aborted
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

stopped or ended before it was finished because something went wrong. You use this to describe a plan, mission, or process that failed to complete.

For teachers: terminated prematurely before reaching completion or full development. Often used to describe technical missions, medical procedures, or biological processes that cease before the expected end.

## Examples

- The pilot returned to the gate after an aborted takeoff.
- The team analyzed the data from the aborted mission to ensure the next launch would be successful.
- The project was eventually abandoned, leaving behind several aborted attempts at a software redesign that never reached the beta testing phase.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a participial adjective before a noun or after a linking verb like 'remain'.

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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.