noun Uncommon

abandonment

uh-BAN-dn-mnt

Abandonment (noun) means the act of leaving someone or something behind completely, or the state of having been left that way. Example: “The children were taken into care after their parents' abandonment.”

noun

The act of leaving someone or something behind completely, or the state of having been left that way.

"The children were taken into care after their parents' abandonment."

"The company faced criticism over its abandonment of the small town factory."

In law, the formal giving up of a right, claim, or piece of property.

"The inventor's abandonment of the patent application meant anyone could use the idea."

How to use abandonment

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe state or act of being completely left behind, whether that's a person, a place, or a legal right.

Common pairings

feelings of abandonment abandonment of a claim

Word forms

abandonments plural

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The children were taken into care after their parents' _____.

Etymology

From French abandonnement, from abandonner ("to abandon"), ultimately from the same root as English "abandon".

Origin: French

Synonyms

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abandoning abdication abjuration abnegation abrogation cession defection demission dereliction desertion rejection relinquishment

Antonyms

acquisition arrogation care completion conviviality correction custody entertainment

Related words

care service taking deal increase complete loss beginning

Rhymes for abandonment

environment imprisonment

See all rhymes for abandonment →

Frequently asked questions

What does “abandonment” mean?

The word “abandonment” means the act of leaving someone or something behind completely, or the state of having been left that way. In plain terms, the state or act of being completely left behind, whether that's a person, a place, or a legal right.

How do you pronounce “abandonment”?

“Abandonment” is pronounced uh-BAN-dn-mnt (/əˈbæn.d(ə)n.m(ə)nt/ in IPA).

How do you use “abandonment” in a sentence?

Here is “abandonment” used in a sentence: “The children were taken into care after their parents' abandonment.”

What is another word for “abandonment”?

Words with a similar meaning to “abandonment” include abandoning, abdication, abjuration, abnegation, abrogation and cession.

What is the opposite of “abandonment”?

The opposite of “abandonment” — its antonyms — are acquisition, arrogation, care, completion and conviviality.

What part of speech is “abandonment”?

“Abandonment” is a noun.

Where does the word “abandonment” come from?

The word “abandonment” comes from French. From French abandonnement, from abandonner ("to abandon"), ultimately from the same root as English "abandon".

Is “abandonment” a common word?

“Abandonment” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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Vocabulary lists that include abandonment:

Words with French origins

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