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
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- abandonments
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Can you complete this real example?
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".
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for abandonment
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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