Forgo: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when you decide not to do or have something you usually enjoy or that is considered beneficial.

• She decided to forgo dessert to stick to her diet.
• I will forgo my annual bonus this year to help the company save costs.

Use when you formally declare your decision to give up something, often a right, position, or belief.

• The prince renounced his claim to the throne.
• She renounced her citizenship to become a citizen of another country.

Use in situations where you deliberately choose not to participate in something, especially related to votes or substances like alcohol.

• He decided to abstain from voting in the election.
• During the month of January, many people abstain from drinking alcohol.

Use when you decide to give up a legal right or claim.

• The company agreed to waive the fee for early termination of the contract.
• He signed a form to waive his right to sue the organization.

Use when choosing to go without something or to let go of a desire voluntarily. This word is often used in personal decisions or self-denial.

• She decided to forgo dessert to maintain her diet
• They had to forgo some luxuries to save money

Appropriate in situations involving giving up something valuable for the sake of something or someone else. It often carries a sense of loss for a greater good.

• Parents often sacrifice their personal time for their children
• He sacrificed his own ambitions to support his family

Used when giving up something reluctantly or with a sense of obligation. It conveys a sense of letting go under pressure or circumstances.

• She had to relinquish her role as team leader due to health issues
• He reluctantly relinquished control of the project

This word is used in situations where one is giving up control or rights, often in a formal or legal context, such as transferring land or power.

• The company had to cede part of its territory after the merger
• The king decided to cede his throne to his son