abandon
verb (used with object)
to leave completely and finally; forsake utterly; desert.
were abandoning
-
past progressiveof abandon.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Many investors were abandoning the historical 60/40 mix of stocks and bonds coming into 2025 after several tough years for the fixed-income side of that strategy.
From Barron's ● Jan. 2, 2026
On Saturday, the Verbena’s remaining crew issued a distress call saying they were abandoning ship because they were unable to bring the fires under control.
From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2024
One X user said people were abandoning their Ubers and walking to the airport.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2024
But a federal judge in Reno dismissed the latest legal challenges in December and tribal leaders said they were abandoning any future appeals.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 15, 2024
The meerkats were abandoning the ponds—indeed, the whole plain—and rapidly making for the forest.
From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel
