adj Uncommon

abrupt

uh-BRUHPT

Abrupt (adj) means happening suddenly and without warning. Example: “The meeting came to an abrupt end when the fire alarm sounded.”

adj

Happening suddenly and without warning.

"The meeting came to an abrupt end when the fire alarm sounded."

"His departure from the company was abrupt."

Blunt or curt in manner, verging on rude.

"Her abrupt reply left him wondering what he'd done wrong."

Very steep, as if broken off sharply.

"The path ended at an abrupt drop into the ravine."

How to use abrupt

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSudden and unexpected — whether it's an ending, a steep drop, or someone's curt tone of voice.

Easily confused with

corrupt → abrasive →

Common pairings

abrupt end abrupt change abrupt manner

Word forms

more abrupt comparative, abrupter comparative, abrupted past tense, abrupts plural, abrupts singular, most abrupt superlative, abruptest superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The meeting came to an _____ end when the fire alarm sounded.

Etymology

From Latin abruptus, "broken off," the past participle of abrumpo — formed from ab ("away") plus rumpo ("to break"), the same root as "rupture" and "erupt."

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “abrupt” mean?

The word “abrupt” means happening suddenly and without warning. In plain terms, sudden and unexpected — whether it's an ending, a steep drop, or someone's curt tone of voice.

How do you pronounce “abrupt”?

“Abrupt” is pronounced uh-BRUHPT (/əˈbɹʌpt/ in IPA).

How do you use “abrupt” in a sentence?

Here is “abrupt” used in a sentence: “The meeting came to an abrupt end when the fire alarm sounded.”

What part of speech is “abrupt”?

“Abrupt” is an adjective.

Where does the word “abrupt” come from?

The word “abrupt” comes from Latin. From Latin abruptus, "broken off," the past participle of abrumpo — formed from ab ("away") plus rumpo ("to break"), the same root as "rupture" and "erupt.".

Is “abrupt” a common word?

“Abrupt” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “abrupt” have?

“Abrupt” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: happening suddenly and without warning.

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Vocabulary lists that include abrupt:

Words with Latin origins