Reneging: meaning, definitions and examples

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reneging

 

[ rɪˈnɛɡ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

breaking promise

To renege means to go back on a promise or commitment. It often implies that someone has failed to fulfill an obligation or has not followed through on their word. This term is frequently used in legal contexts as well as in everyday situations.

Synonyms

backtrack, default, renounce, retract

Examples of usage

  • He reneged on his promise to help us move.
  • The company reneged on its agreement with the union.
  • After initially agreeing to participate, she reneged at the last minute.
  • They accused him of reneging on his vows.

Word origin

The word 'reneging' derives from the Middle English term 'reneggen', which means to deny or renounce. The word has its roots in the Old French 'renéguer', meaning to renounce or abandon. This is further connected to the Latin 'renegare,' which combines 're' (meaning 'back') and 'negare' (meaning 'to deny'). Originally, it referred to the act of a person denying or rejecting a faith or allegiance, particularly in the context of a traitor. Over time, 'reneging' evolved to encompass a broader sense of breaking commitments or promises in various contexts, including business and personal relationships.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,167, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.