# discontinue

/dɪskənˈtɪnju/ (US) · /dˌɪskəntˈɪnjuː/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/discontinue
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to stop doing, using, or making something permanently.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The product was discontinued from the market." but "The product was discontinued." — Discontinue is transitive; you discontinue the item itself, rather than using 'from' to describe the removal.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object representing a product, service, or habit.

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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.