Word
discontinue
Phoneticsdis·con·tin·ue, stress on the third syllable
US/dɪskənˈtɪnju/
UK/dˌɪskəntˈɪnjuː/
Definition
v. to stop doing, using, or making something permanently.
v. to cease a regular activity, service, or the production of a commercial product.
Examples
“The company decided to discontinue the old model of the phone.”
“The bus company will discontinue the late-night service starting next month due to low passenger numbers.”
“After reviewing the clinical trial data, the researchers chose to discontinue the study to ensure the safety of the participants involved.”
Examples
simple
“The company decided to discontinue the old model of the phone.”
contextual
“The bus company will discontinue the late-night service starting next month due to low passenger numbers.”
complex
“After reviewing the clinical trial data, the researchers chose to discontinue the study to ensure the safety of the participants involved.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object representing a product, service, or habit.
Pitfall
The product was discontinued from the market.
The product was discontinued.
Discontinue is transitive; you discontinue the item itself, rather than using 'from' to describe the removal.
Real-World Examples
“Research suggests such extreme effects of discontinuing medication are rare, though not unheard of.” “We found that 80% of Year 10 students considered future study and career plans important to their decision to discontinue history.” Etymology
From Old French descontinuer, equivalent to dis- + continue.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/discontinue