# abstentionist

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abstentionist
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a person who chooses not to vote in an election or a meeting. They do this to show they disagree with the process or the candidates.

For teachers: a person who refuses to vote in an election or a formal meeting. Often used in political or legal contexts to describe a deliberate choice to remain neutral or to protest against the proceedings.

## Examples

- The abstentionist refused to cast a ballot in the local election.
- The committee counted the abstentionist as a neutral party who did not support the proposed changes.
- By choosing to remain an abstentionist, the delegate signaled a deep philosophical disagreement with the entire legislative framework rather than a specific policy point.

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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.