YOUR VOCABULARY, ONE WORD AT A TIME

forgo

Verb

IPA /fɔːˈɡəʊ/

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Meaning in plain English

To choose not to have or do something desirable, usually because another aim or need matters more to you.

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Pronunciation

forgo/fɔːˈɡəʊ/

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Dessert would be enjoyable
You decide to save the money instead
You choose not to order dessert

To forgo something is to choose to do without it, even though you would like it.

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Examples in context

Read the examples aloud. Notice how the word fits the sentence, then think of a situation of your own.

We decided to forgo dessert and save the money for tomorrow.
She chose to forgo her usual break to finish the application.

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We decided to ________ dessert and save the money for tomorrow.

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forgo — To choose not to have or do something desirable, usually because another aim or need matters more to you.

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Write one sentence using “forgo” about your own life.

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To choose not to have or do something desirable, usually because another aim or need matters more to you.

Compare: We decided to forgo dessert and save the money for tomorrow.

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Word origin

From Old English forgan, formed from a prefix and the verb go.

Did you know?

The past tense is forwent, and the past participle is forgone.

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