English Reference

Word

abstinency

Phoneticsab·sti·nen·cy

Definition

n. the quality of being able to control your desires and not give in to them. It is often used to describe someone who avoids things like alcohol or sex for a long time.

n. the quality of being able to restrain oneself from indulging in pleasures or desires. Often associated with religious or medical contexts.

Examples

“The monk practiced abstinency from all worldly pleasures.”

“The doctor recommended abstinency from alcohol for at least six months to allow the liver to heal.”

“The philosopher argued that true abstinency is not a lack of desire, but the disciplined choice to prioritize long-term ethical goals over immediate gratification.”

Examples

simple

“The monk practiced abstinency from all worldly pleasures.”

contextual

“The doctor recommended abstinency from alcohol for at least six months to allow the liver to heal.”

complex

“The philosopher argued that true abstinency is not a lack of desire, but the disciplined choice to prioritize long-term ethical goals over immediate gratification.”

Etymology

From Classical Latin abstinentia; compare -y (suffix forming abstract nouns) and earlier abstinence, a doublet.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

VERB

NOUN

abstinency(C1)

ADJECTIVE

This entry

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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Rare
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference