Word

ghosting

noun B2

UK /ˈɡəʊstɪŋ/

US /ˈɡoʊstɪŋ/

Meanings

noun

the act of suddenly cutting off all communication with someone without explanation

noun

the practice of repeatedly avoiding or ignoring messages and calls instead of clearly responding

Definition

Ghosting is ending communication with someone suddenly and without explanation.

Ghosting is the act of stopping all contact with someone without telling them why. It often happens in dating, friendships, or work messages when one person simply disappears. The other person is left confused because their calls or texts are ignored.

Examples

I realized it was ghosting when she stopped replying to every message.
You can call it ghosting if he disappears right after making plans.
He apologized for ghosting his teammates in the group chat during a stressful week.
She wrote a final note to avoid ghosting after their third date.
They complained about ghosting when the recruiter never followed up after the interview.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes say "do ghosting" instead of the correct forms "ghost someone" or "ghosting (someone)".