Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
forgone
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
'forgone' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective and is often used to mean something that has already happened and cannot be changed. Example: "The result of the election was a forgone conclusion."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Harvard reckons its MBA can cost $250,000 for two years' board and study, and that is before forgone salary is taken into account.Another big beneficiary of MBAs' loss of interest in banking is the technology industry.
News & Media
Perhaps because it has not sought a stockmarket listing itself, CD&R has forgone the temptation to raise and invest ever-greater sums of money.
News & Media
Either way, it presents a good example of the stresses and strains Europe's industries are coming under in the single market.Such is the scramble to sell cars in Western Europe that marketing costs (including income forgone on discounts) are now double what they are in North America (where discounts are also heavily used).
News & Media
(The Bank has sensibly forgone other gimmicks in order to produce a CD-ROM that can be used on the old-model computers that so many still rely on in developing countries).The data are clearly presented and accessible.
News & Media
Early delivery means advance payment, with any interest that might have been earned in the interim being forgone.
News & Media
Our chart shows the cost of an MBA at selected business schools after taking into account tuition fees and forgone salary; roll over a school to see the ROI*.
News & Media
And by alienating Mr Berlusconi, the prime minister has forgone his already slim hopes of avoiding a time-consuming nationwide vote.
News & Media
It's just nice to be popular for once".Last week, the Tories announced that they would scrap the government's plans to raise university tuition fees in 2006 from their current, purely nominal, £1,100 a year to a maximum of £3,000, and make up the £700m or so forgone from fees by dropping the government's target of getting 50% into a university.
News & Media
Can they be forgone without ironclad guarantees?Mr Erdogan's record suggests he has the skill and the courage to heal Turkey's biggest wound.
News & Media
Mr Sants, who will head the new Prudential Regulatory Authority at the Bank of England, noted that the FSA's staff had forgone a pay rise for a second year running last year.
News & Media
Some 39m lives not to mention the countless dollars spent fighting the disease, and the countless more forgone by the decimation of many African countries' workforces would have been saved.In this section Back to Iraq Erdogan on top Unseating the first horseman Europe's huddled masses Justice for jocks ReprintsThe story of AIDS argues for tackling such potential plagues early.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When discussing the financial implications of a decision, use "forgone" to accurately represent missed profits or earnings, such as "forgone revenue" or "forgone salary."
Common error
Avoid using "forgone" when you mean "foregone conclusion." "Forgone" describes something missed or sacrificed, while "foregone conclusion" refers to a predictable or inevitable outcome.
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The term "forgone" primarily functions as a past participle or adjective, describing something that has been surrendered or sacrificed. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in contexts like "forgone salary" or "forgone revenue," indicating lost benefits.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Formal & Business
30%
Science
10%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the word "forgone" is a versatile term primarily used as a past participle or adjective to describe something that has been surrendered or sacrificed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in economic and business contexts. It's essential to distinguish it from "foregone conclusion," which has a different meaning. Employing "forgone" effectively involves understanding its role in conveying lost opportunities or benefits, and considering semantically related alternatives like "relinquished" or "sacrificed", when appropriate. Its authoritative use in sources like The Economist and The Guardian solidifies its place in formal and analytical discourse.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
Surrendered
Implies a deliberate act of giving up something, often under pressure or obligation.
Sacrificed
Suggests giving up something valuable for a greater purpose or benefit.
Relinquished
Indicates a formal or official act of giving up a right or possession.
Waived
Signifies the voluntary giving up of a claim, right, or privilege.
Lost
Describes something that has been unintentionally or accidentally missed or is no longer available.
Missed out on
Suggests failing to take advantage of an opportunity or benefit.
Passed up
Indicates a deliberate decision not to pursue an opportunity or option.
Given up
Implies abandonment or cessation of effort, often due to difficulty or discouragement.
Dismissed
Suggests a rejection of consideration, as if the opportunity was not valuable.
Skipped
Indicates an intentional omission, possibly to save time or effort.
FAQs
How is "forgone" used in economic contexts?
In economics, "forgone" often refers to potential gains or benefits that were not realized due to a particular decision or circumstance. Examples include "forgone revenue" or "forgone profits".
What is the difference between "forgone" and "forsaken"?
"Forgone" means given up or lost, often referring to opportunities or benefits. "Forsaken" implies abandonment or desertion. They are not interchangeable. A "lost opportunity" is forgone; a friend can be forsaken.
What are some synonyms for "forgone" in the context of opportunity?
In the context of opportunity, synonyms for "forgone" include "missed out on", "passed up", and "relinquished". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
How do I use "forgone" correctly in a sentence?
Ensure the noun that "forgone" modifies has actually been given up or missed. For instance, "The project resulted in forgone profits" means that the project led to profits not being realized. Do not use "forgone" when the item was not possible to begin with.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
89%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested