Bailing: meaning, definitions and examples

leaving quickly

Bailing is often used to describe the act of abandoning a situation or leaving a place swiftly, sometimes in an attempt to avoid responsibility or challenges. This informal usage can apply to various situations, from relationships to job commitments. Additionally, the term may refer to the act of removing water from a boat or similar object using a container. Such usage is more literal and pertains to maritime activities.

abandon, forsake, leave, vacate

Examples of usage

• He was bailing on our plans at the last minute.

• She had to bail water out of the canoe after it started taking on water.

• After months of stress at work, I decided to bail and take a vacation instead.